Faculty of Food Health Science

Faculty of Food and Health Sciences
Faculty of Food Health Science
Development of a rich and healthy life Develop human resources who can support
In today's society, it is important to learn not only about food and nutrition, but also about related fields such as hygiene management, business, exercise, beauty, and medicine. With the knowledge and practical skills acquired here, you will grow into a person who can help people live rich and healthy lives.
Features
Faculty of Food and Health Science_Features
Features

Academic field
Academic fields of 3 departments known by keywords

Pickup

How do neurons and astrocytes foster each other's growth?

Associate Professor Mariko Hayashi, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics

[Crosstalk between astrocytes and neurons leading to maturation of astrocytes]
The brain weighs about 2.5% of the body weight, but uses 20% of the energy of the whole body. Nerve cells are particularly important, but they are not connected to the blood vessels that carry nutrients. Astrocytes deliver nutrients that are carried in the bloodstream to nerve cells. Astrocytes branch out in complex ways only when nerve cells are present, and approach nerve cells. The nerve cells nurture the astrocytes to become good partners. Mature astrocytes have clear territories and do not invade each other's territory. This makes their responsibilities clear and they can support nerve cells without leakage or waste. However, it is not known what signals are exchanged between nerve cells and astrocytes, or between astrocytes, and why astrocytes extend their branches and stop extending them when they are close to other astrocytes. We are assuming that cell membrane proteins interact with each other, and have compiled a list of those that are frequently expressed in astrocytes, and are investigating their functions one by one.      
Faculty of Food and Health Sciences_Tobira_Mr. Hayashi20241114_217_2