Specification of Circumferential Ascending Interneurons in Zebrafish Spinal Cord. (360G-Wellcome-079971_Z_06_Z)

£246,134

Our ability to treat neurological disorders or spinal cord injuries is currently constrained by our limited understanding of how the central nervous system develops and functions. In particular, we know very little about how different functional types of interneurons develop. The key goal of this research is to understand how a specific functional class of vertebrate interneurons, Circumferential Ascending interneurons (CiAs), are specified in zebrafish spinal cord. We will test the spec ific hypothesis that Hedgehog, Retinoic Acid and BMP signalling pathways interact to specify the CiA domain in vivo. We will also determine the individual and combined functions of Pax2 and Engrailed1 in the specification of different CiA characteristics, including neurotransmitter expression; cell morphology; axon trajectory; synapse formation and correct activity during embryonic swimming behaviour. In many of these experiments, we will use stable transgenic-GFP lines to observe CiA deve lopment in live embryos. As CiAs share many characteristics and are probably functionally homologous with amniote V1 cells our findings should also be applicable to mammals. This research will significantly increase our understanding of vertebrate interneuron development and it will also facilitate future studies to establish causal links between particular genes and CiA activity during specific behaviours in live embryos.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 246134
Applicant Surname Lewis
Approval Committee Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Funding Committee
Award Date 2006-07-04T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2005/06
Grant Programme: Title Project Grant
Internal ID 079971/Z/06/Z
Lead Applicant Dr Katharine Lewis
Partnership Value 246134
Planned Dates: End Date 2010-01-14T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2007-01-15T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region East of England