Neuroregeneration and plasticity

Recent Discovery

Cyclic nucleotides mediate axonal growth by altering the activation of molecular switches called GTPases in the growing axon ending.  Dr Tanaka and colleagues identified a family of 3 receptors that can activate these switches to cause axons to grow over inhibitory surfaces.  When the researchers increased expression of the receptors in a model system, they were able to increase regeneration of axons.  The results provide new targets for gene or drug therapy to promote regeneration. 

Tanaka S, Ishii K, Kasai K, Yoon SO, Saeki Y. J Neural Expression of G Protein-coupled Receptors GPR3, GPR6, and GPR12 Up-regulates Cyclic AMP Levels and Promotes Neurite Outgrowth. Biol Chem. 2007 Apr 6;282(14):10506-15.   Link

Recent Publications

Wang X, Baughman KW, Basso DM, Strittmatter SM. Delayed Nogo receptor therapy improves recovery from spinal cord contusion. Ann Neurol. 2006 Sep 6;60(5):540-549 Link

Hacimuftuoglu A, Handy CR, Goettl VM, Lin CG, Dane S, Stephens RL Jr. Antioxidants attenuate multiple phases of formalin-induced nociceptive response in mice. Behav Brain Res. 2006 Oct 16;173(2):211-6.   Link

McTigue DM, Tripathi R, Wei P.  NG2 colocalizes with axons and is expressed by a mixed cell population in spinal cord lesions. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2006 Apr;65(4):406-20. Link

Jakeman LB, Chen Y, Lucin KM, McTigue DM. Mice lacking L1 cell adhesion molecule have deficits in locomotion and exhibit enhanced corticospinal tract sprouting following mild contusion injury to the spinal cord. Eur J Neurosci. 2006 Apr;23(8):1997-2011. Link

Burry RW, Smith CL.  HuD distribution changes in response to heat shock but not neurotrophic stimulation J. Histochem Cytochem 2006 54(10):1129-38.Link

Carrel TL, McWhorter ML, Workman E, Zhang H, Wolstencroft EC, Lorson C, Bassell GJ, Burghes AH, Beattie CE. Survival of motor neuron function in motor axons is independent of functions required for small nuclear ribonucleoprotein biogenesis.J Neurosci. 2006 Oct 25;26(43):11014-22. Link

Challa AK, McWhorter ML, Wang C, Seeger MA, Beattie CE. Robo3 isoforms have distinct roles during zebrafish development. Mech Dev. 2005 Oct;122(10):1073-86. Link