Immunoglobulin superfamily and sexual dimorphism in the nervous system

Florida State University, Tallahassee FL

Investigators

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Receptor Extracellular Domain Proteins have important functions in the nervous system, including mediating cell adhesion, cell signaling, neurite outgrowth and neuronal arborization patterns. Many human diseases are caused by defects in neuronal patterning that arise during development and/or physiological defects in extracellular receptor functions. The research in this proposal will make use of recently developed collection of plasmids that allow one to rapidly produce and systematically interrogate extracellular receptor domain interactions in a spatiotemporal manner, in an intact developing nervous system. Our previous genomic studies have identified receptor extracellular domain proteins as mediating differences in nervous system development that underlie the potential for complex behaviors. We will examine the role of these proteins in establishing sex-specific differences in nervous system functions that underlie reproductive behaviors.