| Zusammenfassung |
To form a functioning nervous system, nerve cells must make connections with other cells so as to send and receive signals. They do this by extending long 'neurites' that grow away from the cell body until they find their target cell and adhere to it. The processes by which neurites grow are therefore absolutely fundamental to the formation and function of nervous systems. In our recent work funded by BBSRC, we have discovered a previously unknown protein that is an essential part of the process of neurite outgrowth. We have identified the gene that encodes this protein, and have found that blocking the expression of this gene stops the extension of neurites. In this project, we aim to learn more of the mechanism(s) that link this protein to neurite outgrowth. In particular, we wish to discover how the protein works together with other components of the process. The outcome of this project will be new insight into the mechanisms that underlie all function in nervous systems. |