Dr. Lo's laboratory studies how neurotrophic factors regulate neuronal excitability. The roles of neurotrophic factors in promoting the survival, differentiation, and maintenance of neurons have long been studied, but more recently neurotrophic factors have been implicated in a broad range of phenomena, from synaptic plasticity to epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Many of these functions and dysfunctions of neurotrophic factors may involve the regulation of neuronal excitability.
With the recent isolation of additional members of the NGF (nerve growth factor) family of neurotrophins (such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3) and the identification of the trk proto-oncogene family as receptors for neurotrophins, it now is possible to examine the control of neuronal excitability with a broad spectrum of tools and techniques. Patch clamp and whole cell recording, for example, can be used to identify and characterize the function of particular ion channel species, and molecular biological approaches can be used to manipulate the expression of neurotrophin receptors and other molecules involved in the neurotrophic signal transduction.
To a great extent, the excitable properties of a given neuron determine its function within the nervous system. These properties arise, principally, from the pattern of expression and function of its ion channels. The study of neurotrophic regulation of ion channels will be critical for a complete understanding of neurotrophic control over neural development and function, and of the involvement of neurotrophic factors in many neurological disorders.
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Contact SUITE 200
Box 3209, DUMC
919.479.2304
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