On-going elucidation of mechanisms of primate specific synaptic spine development using the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Abstract

Recently, pathophysiology of human psychiatry originates from abnormal numbers of synapses/spines. There are generally two-types of development of spines from birth depending on species. One is, after birth, synaptogenesis occurs, and there is a clear peak of spines, and then rapidly pruning occurring, which are called "overshoot-type" of development of synapses/spines. Primates including human belong to this type. In other type including rodents, even after a peak, general number of spines does not decrease so much. Although these differences, most of human psychiatric models have been genetic modified rodents. Now, transgenic primate (the common marmoset) became available. In near future, we can, examine pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders using this animal model, which is closer to human being. To begin with this endeavor, we should know how synapses/spines of normal marmosets developed, and molecular mechanisms of "overshoot-type" of spine development, which human being also shows. Here, we will present our recent effort to explore these questions, and future experiments will be discussed.

Keywords: Overshoot-type development of spines; Pathophysiology; Primate; Pruning; Psychiatry model; Synaptogenesis.