Induction and Stabilization of Axonal Neurites

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Neuritogenesis, the growth of neural processes, is important for neuronal communication. In order to initiate and sustain neurite outgrowth during embryonic development, nerve cells must receive a series of signals secreted by surrounding glial cells in the form of protease inhibitors, protein splitting suppressor enzymes. Studies using cultured neurons implicate the role of two classes of multiple protease inhibitors that act on specific internal and external proteases. One class of protease inhibitors induce neurite outgrowth and the other maintains the outgrowth of existing neurons once neuritogenesis has been initiated. Biochemical and immunohistochemical methods will be employed to identify the different protease inhibitors that migrate into neurons. By injecting protease inhibitors into neurons, Dr. Shea will be able to determine which inhibitor is responsible for cytoskeletal stability, the framework that sustains the shape of mature neurites. This investigation will provide additional information on the regulation of axonal neuritogenesis.