Neural circuitry underlies the fundamental functions of the nervous system. The development of neural circuitry is highly organized and precise. Abnormal neural development and improperly maintained neural connections lead to neurological and mental diseases, which are debilitating and devastating. To understand the mechanisms that underlie circuit formation is fundamental to our understanding of the pathology of neural diseases and may lead to discovery of proper cures. Yet with 10/12 neurons and 10/15 connections amongst them, the nervous system poses one of the most complex problems to study. Despite considerable progress in understanding fundamental aspects of neural development, knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms in circuit development and maintenance are limited. The studies outlined here will investigate the role of intrinsic neural activity in the formation and maintenance of proper neuronal connections. In particular, the studies use the mouse olfactory system as a model system. Olfactory receptor neurons show remarkable precision in their projection patterns. Neurons expressing the same odorant receptor gene converge to two among approximately 2000 topograpically fixed glomeruli in the olfactory bulb. Such precise targeting by olfactory neurons is believed to be partly mediated by the odorant receptors, but the mechanism is unknown. By analogs with neurons may play an important role in setting up a precise olfactory map. The focus of this study is to block neural activity and examine the effect of neuronal silencing on circuit formation. To achieve this goal, genetic methods will be used to create transgenic mice that can be induced to express a potassium channel in a tissue and temporal specific fashion. The expression of this potassium channel will substantially dampen neural excitability and suppress electrical activity. The projection patterns of silenced neurons can be directly visualized through reporter gene activity, and the role of neural activity in pattern formation can be directly assessed.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
1K01MH001888-01A1
Application #
6285812
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MDCN-7 (01))
Program Officer
Goldschmidts, Walter L
Project Start
2001-01-05
Project End
2005-12-31
Budget Start
2001-01-05
Budget End
2001-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$104,786
Indirect Cost
Name
Columbia University (N.Y.)
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
167204994
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10032
Yu, C Ron; Power, Jennifer; Barnea, Gilad et al. (2004) Spontaneous neural activity is required for the establishment and maintenance of the olfactory sensory map. Neuron 42:553-66
Leypold, Bradley G; Yu, C Ron; Leinders-Zufall, Trese et al. (2002) Altered sexual and social behaviors in trp2 mutant mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 99:6376-81