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発表内容

Title:
Neuronal polarity: from extracellular signals to intracellular mechanisms

Kozo Kaibuchi
Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine

Abstract:
After neurons are born and differentiated, neurons break their previous symmetry, dramatically change their shape, and establish two structurally and functionally distinct compartments, axons and dendrites. The axons and dendrites differ from each other in the composition of their proteins and organelles. The axons contain synaptic vesicles from which they release neurotransmitters at axon terminals in response to electrical signals from the cell body. Dendrites, especially dendritic spines , contain receptors for these neurotransmitters. These two distinct cellular structures are fundamental for neuronal function, as they enable neurons to receive and transmit electrical signals. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this neuronal polarization were unclear until a decade ago. Recent studies have implicated several signaling pathways including Rho family GTPases, Par proteins and specific kinases as having essential roles in a number of aspects of neuronal polarization. I here discuss how extracellular signals as well as intracellular signals regulate neuronal polarity.

References:
Arimura N. and Kaibuchi K. Neuronal polarity: from extracellular signals to intracellular mechanisms. Nature Rev Neurosci 8 (3), 194-205. (2007)