RIG: Role of Gbx transcription factors in development of sensory-motor circuits

发育过程中神经回路的精确组装对于定义成熟生物体中运动行为的控制至关重要，并且仍然是神经生物学的中心问题。该项目的重点是研究一个DNA结合蛋白家族，原肠胚形成脑同源框（Gbx）在神经回路形成中的作用，这些神经回路调节运动功能，如行走和进食。Gbx1和Gbx2在发育中的神经系统中动态表达，并且表达不足对神经回路发育具有有害影响。这项工作将利用分子生物学以及遗传技术和生物信息学。该项目的结果将通过识别受其直接控制的基因，为Gbx蛋白的功能提供有价值的见解，这些基因对于定位神经元细胞，引导轴突并最终控制运动行为至关重要。该奖项的其他影响将有助于扩大PI在发育神经生物学，分子生物学和生物信息学方面的范围，并有助于他的教学和学术活动。此外，在科学日益多样化和技术驱动的社会中，将为学生提供培训机会和促进跨学科研究。该奖项将通过为研究生奖学金和研究用品提供资金支持，扩大代表性不足的少数民族研究生和本科生的参与。研究项目的实验结果将在科学期刊上发表，并鼓励学生在科学会议上介绍他们的研究结果。

The precise assembly of neural circuits during development is critical in defining control of motor behaviors in the mature organism and remains a central problem in neurobiology. The focus of this project is to investigate the role of one family of DNA-binding proteins, gastrulation brain homeobox (Gbx), in the formation of neural circuits, which regulate motor functions, such as walking and eating. Gbx1 and Gbx2 are dynamically expressed in the developing nervous system and deficient expression of either has a deleterious effect on neural circuit development. This work will utilize molecular biology as well as genetic techniques and bioinformatics. Results from the project will provide valuable insights in to the function of Gbx proteins by identifying the genes which are under their direct control and are critical for positioning neuronal cells, guiding axons and ultimately, controlling motor behavior. Additional impacts of this award will be to help broaden the PI's scope in developmental neurobiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics, as well as contribute to his teaching and scholarly activities. Furthermore, training opportunities and the promotion of interdisciplinary research will be provided for students in an increasingly scientifically diverse and technology-driven society. The award will broaden participation of underrepresented minority graduate and undergraduate students by providing support for graduate student stipends and funding for research supplies. The experimental results of the research project will be published in scientific journals and students will be encouraged to present their findings at scientific meetings.