The overall goal of this proposal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that control the production of neurons in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS). The CNS of adult vertebrates is composed of a vast number of functionally distinct neuronal types that occupy specific and reproducible positions within the brain and spinal cord. Throughout the developing CNS, individual neurons are generated from proliferative precursors in a precise spatial and temporal order. The correct implementation of this order involves tight control over the transition from dividing multipotent precursors to newborn neurons with distinct phenotypic characteristics. Despite the central importance of this transition in neurogenesis, it is currently unclear how many steps are involved and whether or how they are linked. The spinal cord represents an ideal model system in which to examine the molecular mechanisms controlling the differentiation and diversification of neuronal types in the CNS. During neurogenesis in the spinal cord, studies show that Prox1 expression is restricted exclusively to post-mitotic, pre-migratory interneuron precursors located within a sub-ventricular zone (SVZ), but is specifically excluded from the motoneuron-generating domain. Later, at mid-gestation, Prox 1 is expressed in diverse neuronal and glial lineages. The expression of a number of other factors, including those that function as post-mitotic neural determinants, overlap with Prox1 in SVZ cells. These findings suggest that Prox1 is part of a genetic program that is important for normal neurogenesis, and that it functions to determine the unique characteristics of distinct neuronal populations in the spinal cord. To test this, both in-vitro and in-vitro approaches will be used to define the contribution of Prox1 and related factors to neurogenesis. These studies will provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms that control the genesis and differentiation of neurons in the vertebrate spinal cord, a subject with direct relevance to the development of therapeutic approaches for treating human patients with CNS injuries and degenerative disorders.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01MH068651-03
Application #
6919899
Study Section
Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurosciences 2 (MDCN)
Program Officer
Sieber, Beth-Anne
Project Start
2003-07-01
Project End
2008-04-30
Budget Start
2005-05-01
Budget End
2006-04-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$322,663
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
617022384
City
Piscataway
State
NJ
Country
United States
Zip Code
08854