Genes

Neurons in the mammalian and avian spinal cord express many genes and use the proteins encoded by these genes for different functions. We use this information to determine how different neurons are generated during embryogenesis and to understand how neurons acquire physiological and pharmacological properties necessary for their function in the adult spinal motor circuits. Currently, we are focusing on the function of transcription factors, the Notch receptor and its ligands, Hox genes, and the recently identified family of protocadherins. 
 
 

 

A number of transcription factors have been identified in the developing neural tube. The neuronal precursors use combinations of these factors to generate different neuronal subtypes. We use a combination of gene knockout in transgenic mice and mis-expression studies in chick embryos to test the role of some of the factors shown in this figure.
 
 

 
 
 

As a multi-domain cell-surface receptor, the Notch-receptor is uniquely designed to interpret the environment and to regulate gene expression as a response to the differentiation status of the neighboring cells. We are identifying the developmental events that use the Notch receptor for generating different neuronal subtypes in the spinal cord. This effort is facilitated by the use of a NOTCH ASSAY shown in the figure above. Modified Notch receptor (Notch-GV) allows identification of green neurons that process the notch receptor and express GFP under the control of the UAS promoter.