During vertebrate CNS development, individual neurons make the decision to continue proliferating or exit and enter differentiation. These two opposing processes must be balanced else developmental abnormalities result, which can lead to dysfunction in the adult. The genes which control this process are largely unknown. The cerebellum is an excellent system to study this process because of its simple anatomy and its continued development postnatally making it more accessible for experimental analysis. Thousands of genes have been identified by the genome projects and with the advent of microarray technology it is now possible to compile a compendium of gene expression for any cellular population. A goal of this project is to generate an inventory of genes that are involved in the transition of a particular cerebellar neuron called the granule cell from a proliferative to a differentiated state by using the Affymetrix murine microarrays. Candidate genes that are differentially expressed will be tested for their function in this process by retroviral infection in vitro and a mouse transgenic tet inducible system in vivo.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32NS042492-02
Application #
6750701
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MDCN-6 (01))
Program Officer
Desmond, Nancy L
Project Start
2002-02-01
Project End
2005-01-31
Budget Start
2003-02-01
Budget End
2004-01-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$46,420
Indirect Cost
Name
Rockefeller University
Department
Biology
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
071037113
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10065