Phosphatases in neural stem cell biology

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Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are a group of enzymes expressed throughout the animal kngdom. PTPs are responsible for removing phosphate molecules from the amino acid tyrosine in proteins. They are important to reverse the addition of phosphate groups to proteins as a way to regulate functions in cells. The contribution of PTPs to the development and function of the nervous system are virtually unknown. The purpose of this research grant is to study the role of PTPs during the early development of the nervous system. We will study aspects of new cell formation from stem cells in the brains of mice that have been genetically altered to produce inactive PTP. Experiments will be completed to determine how PTP affects the divison of cells and the death of cells during brain development. These experiments are important because the information will inform us of the biological pathways that control the production of new cells in the brain. The results of this research have broader implications for progress toward therapies that stimulate new growth in the brain affected by disease or injury.