The development of the nervous system is modulated by both genetic and environmental phenomena. Whereas intrinsic factors undoubtedly play roles in the potential of progenitor cells to differentiate into a given cell type, extrinsic clues are likely to serve as signals for the timing of these differentiative events. The proposed project is designed to examine the effects of environmental factors on a cell's phenotype, particularly the environmental factors present in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Experiments are proposed to identify the distribution, expression, and function of components of the extracellular matrix, in particular, the beta2-containing laminins, during the development of the retina using antibodies and cDNA probes, both in vitro and in vivo. Together, it is anticipated that these lines of investigation should help to define the role of these extracellular matrix molecules in the development of the nervous system.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EY012037-02
Application #
2872386
Study Section
Visual Sciences C Study Section (VISC)
Project Start
1998-02-01
Project End
2002-01-31
Budget Start
1999-02-01
Budget End
2000-01-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Tufts University
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
604483045
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02111
Egles, Christophe; Claudepierre, Thomas; Manglapus, Mary K et al. (2007) Laminins containing the beta2 chain modulate the precise organization of CNS synapses. Mol Cell Neurosci 34:288-98
Claudepierre, Thomas; Manglapus, Mary K; Marengi, Nathan et al. (2005) Collagen XVII and BPAG1 expression in the retina: evidence for an anchoring complex in the central nervous system. J Comp Neurol 487:190-203
Hunter, Dale D; Zhang, Minlei; Ferguson, Jill W et al. (2004) The extracellular matrix component WIF-1 is expressed during, and can modulate, retinal development. Mol Cell Neurosci 27:477-88
Rostasy, Kevin; Egles, Christophe; Chauhan, Ashok et al. (2003) SDF-1alpha is expressed in astrocytes and neurons in the AIDS dementia complex: an in vivo and in vitro study. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 62:617-26
Koch, M; Murrell, J R; Hunter, D D et al. (2000) A novel member of the netrin family, beta-netrin, shares homology with the beta chain of laminin: identification, expression, and functional characterization. J Cell Biol 151:221-34