The factors that mediate glial formation by neural crest progenitors that form the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are not well understood. Notch signaling can mediate gliogenesis in cultured neural crest progenitors. However, the gliogenic effect of Notch activity in vitro could depend on additive signals in the culture environment that may not be physiologically relevant. The question of whether Notch regulates gliogenesis in the developing PNS can be addressed in three parts. First, is Notch signaling necessary for gliogenesis in the developing PNS? Second, is Notch signaling sufficient for gliogenesis in the developing PNS? Third, what are the molecular signals that mediate Notch-dependent gliogenesis in cultured neural crest progenitors? To answer these questions, transgenic rodent models will be used to selectively disrupt or constitutively activate Notch signaling in neural crest progenitors. Also, rat neural crest progenitors will be isolated to test whether expression of selected downstream mediators of Notch signaling is sufficient to promote gliogenesis. These approaches will address whether Notch signaling positively regulates gliogenesis in the developing PNS by addressing both the physiological relevance and mechanisms of Notch-mediated gliogenesis in neural crest progenitors.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32NS046202-01A1
Application #
6739936
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F03A (20))
Program Officer
Leblanc, Gabrielle G
Project Start
2004-03-01
Project End
2007-02-28
Budget Start
2004-03-01
Budget End
2005-02-28
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$47,296
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
073133571
City
Ann Arbor
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48109