Project 170247

Control of sensory neuron development

170247

Control of sensory neuron development

$300,000
Project Information
Study Type: Other Basic_Science
Therapeutic Area: Oncology
Research Theme: Biomedical
Disease Area: cancer cell nuclear organization
Institution & Funding
Principal Investigator(s): Chen, Hsiao-Huei
Institution: Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
CIHR Institute: Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction
Program: CIHR New Investigator
Peer Review Committee: New Investigators C
Competition Year: 2008
Term: 5 yrs 0 mth
Abstract Summary

Sensory neurons are frequently lost in patients with cancer, diabetes or HIV infection. Optimally, cell based therapies to selectively replace the missing sensory neurons will require knowledge of the molecular pathways controlling sensory neuron development and function. This knowledge may also be useful to treat other sensory neuropathies affecting hearing and vision. This proposal is directed at elucidating the signaling and transcription pathways that control development and function of sensory neurons that detect muscle stretch in the "knee-jerk" reflex. We have discovered a protein that is essential for these neurons to develop and survive. Using mouse models that lack this protein, we will dissect how this protein works to control sensory neuron development.

Research Characteristics

This project includes the following research characteristics:

Knowledge Translation Focus
Biomarker Endpoints
Personalized Medicine
Study Justification

"study the three-dimensional nuclear remodeling of telomeres in cancer"

Novelty Statement

"shown that structural order of the nucleus is changed when cells become tumor cells"

Methodology Innovation

three-dimensional imaging of nuclear telomere organization

Keywords
Electrophysiology Experimental Embryology Immunohistochemistry Molecular Biology Neurogenesis Transgenic Mice