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Project

Intra-neuronal energy channeling: a prerequisite for functional CNS repair

Neural insults and diseases typically result in permanent functional deficits. This makes identifying cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable neuronal regeneration a critical step towards designing future therapies. Within this project we aim to validate our intriguing findings and innovative hypothesis that dendritic/synaptic remodeling are essential for axonal regeneration, and assess whether adequate intra-neuronal energy channeling could underlie the observed antagonistic interplay between dendrite and axon regrowth in the central nervous system. Thereto, this work will combine in vitro and in vivo approaches and include molecular, biochemical, morphological and functional tools in zebrafish and mice. As adult zebrafish retinal neurons regenerate spontaneously, they form an ideal model to unravel the dendrite-inherent mechanisms contributing to successful axonal regeneration. Subsequent identification of underlying regulatory molecules via omics approaches, and confirmation and validation of our findings in mice, will generate pivotal insights into how re-directing mitochondrial trafficking/functioning may promote neuronal repair in the mammalian central nervous system.
Date:1 Oct 2018 →  30 Sep 2022
Keywords:Mouse, Mitochondrial dynamics, Dendritic remodeling, Optic nerve regeneration, Zebrafish, Retina
Disciplines:Animal biology, Genetics