Modulation of Neuronal Differentiation by Growth Factor-like Phospholipids

小行星9728147 这项研究的目的是了解调节大脑神经元连接发育的基本机制。 这个小组过去的研究已经发现了一组新的分子（溶血磷脂酸），它们抑制了提供神经系统布线的神经元过程的生长。 有趣的是，这些分子是在中枢神经系统损伤后产生的，可能会损害功能的再生和恢复。 Tigyi博士和他的合作者将研究介导这种抑制作用的分子信号。 具体来说，他们将使用分子生物学技术产生特殊的细胞系，这些细胞系缺乏三个关键分子开关之一，Cdc42，Rac和Rho，这些开关被认为参与了抑制作用。 然后，他们将分析打开和关闭这些开关的分子机制。 通过使用这些工程化的神经元样细胞，他们将能够回答这三个开关中的哪一个或多个需要被打开以进行抑制。 一旦在细胞培养系统中确定了介导抑制作用的开关，就有可能在未来的研究中研究溶血磷脂酸及其控制的开关在神经系统发育、再生和修复中的具体作用。

9728147 TIGYI The goal of this research is to understand the fundamental mechanisms that regulate the development of neuronal connections in the brain. Past research by this group has led to the discovery of a novel group of molecules (lysophosphatidates) that inhibit the outgrowth of the neuronal processes that provide the wiring of the nervous system. Interestingly, these molecules are generated after injury to the central nervous system and might impair regeneration and recovery of function. Dr. Tigyi and his collaborators will investigate the molecular signals that mediate this inhibitory effect. Specifically, they will generate, using molecular biological techniques, special cell lines that are deficient in one of three key molecular switches, Cdc42, Rac, and Rho, which are presumed to be involved in the inhibitory effect. They will then analyze the molecular mechanism that turns these switches on and off. By using these engineered neuron-like cells, they will be able to answer which one or more of these three switches needs to be turned on for the inhibition to take place. Once the switches mediating the inhibitory effect are determined in the cell culture system, it will be possible in future research to investigate the specific role of lysophosphatidates and the switches they control in the development, regeneration, and repair of the nervous system.