Download White blood cells play important roles in protecting us from infections

FUNDING PROGRAM FOR NEXT GENERATION WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHERS
Project Title: Development of the cerebellar regeneration technology using hematopoietic cells
Name: Hirokazu HIRAI
Institution: Gunma University
1. Background of research
White blood cells play important roles in protecting us from infections. On the other hand, neurons in the brain
send signals that mediate memory formation or control our body movement. Thus, blood cells are entirely
different population from neurons, and two cell types have no functional relationship each other. Recently, it has
been reported that white blood cells come along to the brain tissue, however, the physiological significance of
this phenomenon remains unclear.
2. Research objectives
I assume that migration of white blood cells to the brain may have therapeutic meaning. A main purpose of this
study is to examine whether white blood cells that come along to the brain tissue have a role of healing
damaged neurons, and if they do, to further clarify how white blood cells contribute to the healing.
3. Research characteristics (incl. originality and creativity)
Medication is a popular approach for curing brain diseases, but, we human beings should have potential of
spontaneous recovery. I hypothesize that the migrated white blood cells serve to recover neuronal damage. In
this project, I focus on this interesting phenomenon, which can be detected rarely, but occurs spontaneously,
and aim to clarify the physiological significance.
4. Anticipated effects and future applications of research
A mechanism how white blood cells can heal damaged neurons will be elucidated. Moreover, we could take
advantage of migration of white blood cells as a therapeutic intervention for brain diseases.
How are damaged neurons healed?
Neurons are newly generated in various parts of adult brain such as hippocampus
and cerebral cortex. Dead neurons are replaced with newly generated neurons.
Healthy cerebellar neurons
Degeneration
White blood cells
Can they enhance the healing?
However, new neurons are not born in the cerebellum. As dead neurons cannot
be replaced, degenerating cells should be cured before the damage becomes
irreversible. Are migrated white blood cells involved in this healing process?