Gene expression in regenerating adult vertebrate CNS.

描述(申请人提供)：成年哺乳动物中枢神经系统(CNS)的损伤通常是永久性和渐进性的，可能是疾病或创伤性损伤的结果。最近的许多研究都取得了有限的成功，可能是因为使用了受欢迎的模型，而这些模型不能再生中枢神经系统。为了进一步了解成人中枢神经系统的再生，并将这一知识应用于临床水平，必须在一个能够在没有外来干扰的情况下再生的成人模型中阐明这些因素。了解这些因素是什么，以及它们是如何推动恢复的，将有助于进一步了解神经再生作为一个整体，以及基于这些途径的靶向流量的治疗选择。这项研究训练的应用包括成年非洲爪哇，一种能够将脑神经再生到中枢神经系统的脊椎动物模型，导致前庭听神经(NVIIl)功能的恢复。其具体目标是：(1)发现驱动成年脊椎动物NVIII再生的基因；(2)量化功能的行为恢复；(3)对NVIII损伤和再生程度进行解剖学验证。这些基因将与那些与正常发育有关的基因以及与不能再生中枢神经系统的模型进行比较。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Injury to the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) is usually permanent and progressive, and can be the result of disease or traumatic injury. Many recent studies have had limited success, possibly due to use of favorite models incapable of CNS regeneration. In order to further understand CNS regeneration in the adult, and to apply this knowledge on the clinical level, these factors must be elucidated in an adult model capable of regeneration in the absence of extraneous perturbations. Understanding what these factors are, and how they act to drive recovery, will allow further understanding of neural regeneration as a whole, and treatment options based on targeted flux through these pathways. This research training application involves adult Xenopus laevis, a vertebrate model capable of cranial nerve regeneration into the CNS, resulting in recovery of function of the vestibuloauditory nerve (nVIIl). The specific aims are: (1) discovery of genes driving regeneration in the adult vertebrate nVIII; (2) quantification of behavioral recovery of function; and (3) anatomical verification of nVIII lesion and extent of regeneration. Genes will be compared with those implicated in normal development and with models incapable of CNS regeneration.