学术报告
题目：Molecular and cellular mechanisms of sensory processing
报告人：Yangang Sun, Ph.D.
Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy,
University of Texas Medical School
时间：Tuesday 9:00 a.m., December 20
地点：生命科学学院411会议室
Itch is an evolutionarily conserved defense mechanism. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of itch signal processing remain elusive. My recent study has discovered the first itch-specific gene, the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR). I found that induction of scratching behavior is significantly reduced in GRPR knockout mice in response to pruritogenic stimuli. Using a cell depletion approach, I demonstrated that GRPR containing neurons in the spinal cord are crucial for itch behavior but not for behavior associated with pain, which indicates that the neural pathway of itch is distinct from that of pain. These studies have identified an essential pathway for processing itch sensation. Most sensory information is relayed to cortex via the thalamus. The thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) composed entirely of GABAergic neurons is strategically located between thalamus and neocortex, and forms powerful inhibitory connections with dorsal thalamic nuclei. TRN is essential for regulating sensory processing. Using a combination of genetic, pharmacological and electrophysiological approaches, I have identified novel mechanisms that are essential for activity of local neural network.
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