Abstract:
An intricate interplay of complex spatio-temporal events underlies brain functions. Therefore, clarifying these dynamic processes is indispensable for revealing the mechanisms of brain functions. Fluorescence imaging is a powerful technique for visualizing cellular and molecular dynamics in the brain. Recent developments in fluorescent indicators and specialized optics have advanced research in the field of neuroscience. In this review, I will exemplify the power and beauty of fluorescence imaging by discussing my work focusing on the molecular dynamics of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) signaling at the synapse. By developing novel fluorescent indicators for glutamate, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and Ca2+ within the endoplasmic reticulum, I succeeded in imaging the spatio-temporal dynamics of synaptic mGluR signaling, which led to the identification of novel mechanisms of mGluR-mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission. These discoveries highlight the importance of the development and application of novel fluorescence imaging techniques for the investigation of brain functions.
摘要:
复杂的时空事件的复杂相互作用是大脑功能的基础。因此,阐明这些动态过程对于揭示大脑功能的机制是必不可少的。荧光成像是用于可视化大脑中的细胞和分子动力学的强大技术。荧光指示器和专用光学的最新发展在神经科学领域具有先进的研究。在这次审查中,我将通过讨论我的工作重点是突触代谢型谷氨酸受体(mGluR)信号的分子动力学来举例说明荧光成像的力量和美感。通过开发谷氨酸的新型荧光指示剂,肌醇1,4,5-三磷酸和内质网内的Ca2+,我成功地对突触mGluR信号的时空动力学进行了成像,这导致了mGluR介导的谷氨酸能神经传递的新机制的鉴定。这些发现强调了开发和应用新型荧光成像技术来研究脑功能的重要性。