A central issue in developmental neurobiology is the role of cell-cell interactions in regulating neuronal differentiation. Astrocytes secrete factors that influence neuronal differentiation, including S-100 beta, a factor that affects serotonergic neurons. In turn, the secretion of S-100 beta from astrocytes is regulated by activation of serotonergic neurons. The mechanisms of these cellular interactions will be investigated at the molecular level by studying the transcription, translation and release of S-100 beta. In addition, the regulatory role of steroid hormones, specifically the glucocorticoids, in these processes will be studied. The PI will undertake these studies at Cold Spring Harbor during a one year Sabbatical leave where he will be trained in molecular and protein techniques in the laboratory of Dr. Daniel Marshak.
