Nitric Oxide Signaling in a Model Olfactory System

模型嗅觉系统中的一氧化氮信号传导

基本信息

批准号：
7097017
负责人：
ALAN J NIGHORN
金额：
$ 29.37万
依托单位：
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
依托单位国家：
美国
项目类别：
财政年份：
2000
资助国家：
美国
起止时间：
2000-03-01 至 2011-03-31
项目状态：
已结题

项目摘要

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Nitric oxide (NO) is a small, gaseous free radical molecule that can mediate cellular signaling that is critical for the proper functioning of the vascular, immune and nervous systems. Within the nervous system, its ability to cross cell membranes and mediate communication between cells in the absence of specialized synaptic machinery gives it a power and flexibility not possible for conventional neurotransmitters. High levels of nitric oxide synthase (the enzyme that generates NO) expression has led to the hypothesis that NO mediates and/or modulates signaling within the primary olfactory neuropil. This idea has been strengthened by the observation that the hallmark spheroidal structures within the primary olfactory neuropil could be ideal to regulate the diffusion of a small molecule such as NO. This proposal takes advantage of the relative simplicity, but parallel organization of an insect olfactory system to investigate the function of NO signaling within the primary olfactory neuropil. We will investigate the production, diffusion, and function of NO within the olfactory system. This will be done by applying the talents of a group of expert researchers to complete the following three specific aims: (1) Characterize odor-induced NO production and diffusion within the AL. (2) Characterize the functional roles of NO signaling in AL neurons. (3) Characterize the behavioral consequences of interfering with NO signaling in the AL. The successful completion of these specific aims will result in a very detailed understanding of the role of NO in the function of this model olfactory system. This understanding will yield insight into the function of this important signaling system in other organisms including humans. In addition, these insights will likely serve as the basis for other experiments designed to examine the role of this very important signaling molecule both in other olfactory systems and in the nervous system in general.

描述（由申请人提供）：一氧化氮（NO）是一种小的气态自由基分子，可以介导细胞信号传导，这对于血管、免疫和神经系统的正常运作至关重要。在神经系统内，它能够在没有专门的突触机制的情况下穿过细胞膜并介导细胞之间的通讯，这赋予它传统神经递质不可能的力量和灵活性。高水平的一氧化氮合酶（产生一氧化氮的酶）表达导致了这样的假设：一氧化氮介导和/或调节初级嗅神经纤维内的信号传导。这一观点因观察到初级嗅神经纤维内的标志性球状结构可能非常适合调节小分子（如一氧化氮）的扩散而得到加强。该提议利用昆虫嗅觉系统相对简单但平行的组织来研究初级嗅觉神经毡内 NO 信号传导的功能。我们将研究嗅觉系统中一氧化氮的产生、扩散和功能。这将通过应用一组专家研究人员的才能来完成以下三个具体目标：（1）表征 AL 内气味诱导的 NO 产生和扩散。 (2) 表征 AL 神经元中 NO 信号传导的功能作用。 (3) 描述干扰 AL 中 NO 信号传导的行为后果。成功完成这些具体目标将使我们非常详细地了解 NO 在该模型嗅觉系统功能中的作用。这种理解将有助于深入了解这一重要信号系统在包括人类在内的其他生物体中的功能。此外，这些见解可能会成为其他实验的基础，这些实验旨在检查这种非常重要的信号分子在其他嗅觉系统和一般神经系统中的作用。