The role of SNAP-25 in attentional processes

在中枢神经系统中，脑细胞（神经元）通过释放化学神经递质相互交流。这主要发生在神经元的专门部分，称为“突触”。神经传递的过程需要在突触两侧的一组独特的分子;释放神经递质所需的三种核心蛋白之一是SNAP-25。使SNAP-25能够调节神经传递的分子机制在细胞培养工作中得到了很好的描述，但是该蛋白在完整生物体中的功能意义还没有得到很好的理解。目前的研究项目将研究SNAP-25如何在大鼠大脑单胺神经元的生理学中发挥作用。单胺神经元包括前脑的多巴胺能、多巴胺能和去甲肾上腺素能投射。这类神经元对于大多数形式的前意识和有意识注意力处理是必不可少的。在该项目的第一阶段，我们将使用显微镜和专门的病变技术来确认SNAP-25存在于

In the central nervous system, brain cells (neurons) communicate with each other by means of release of chemical neurotransmitters. This occurs mainly at specialized parts of the neuron, known as "synapses". The process of neurotransmission requires a unique set of molecules on either side of the synapse; one of the three core proteins needed for release of neurotransmitter is SNAP-25. The molecular mechanism that enables SNAP-25 to regulate neurotransmission is well described in cell culture work, but the functional significance of the protein in intact organisms is not well understood. The current research project will examine how SNAP-25 plays a role in the physiology of monoamine neurons in the rat brain. The monoamine neurons include the serotonergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic projections to the forebrain. This class of neurons is essential for most forms of preconscious and conscious attentional processing. In the first phase of the project, we will use microscopy and specialized lesion techniques to confirm that SNAP-25 is present in the