Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of sensory regeneration

National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke

Investigators

Abstract

Lab facilities in the Porter Research Building are still undergoing renovation, in preparation for the lab's move from UC Berkeley by Fall 2021 (delayed by pandemic- and other construction-related setbacks). As such there are no research accomplishments to report at this time. Once opened, the Molecular Neurobiology Section will build on past accomplishments using a variety of approaches to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating olfactory stem cells and olfactory neurogenesis in the mouse. In one area of inquiry, using conditional genetic knockouts we will investigate the roles of certain transcription factors e.g., p63 and intracellular signaling pathways in promoting stem cell self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation. Other studies will employ clonal analysis in vivo to determine how patterns of symmetric and asymmetric cell division support stem cell renewal and tissue maintenance. Finally, we will apply single cell RNA-Seq and other single cell technologies to elucidate the developmental trajectories of cells as they transition from early stem cell states, through intermediate progenitors and then through terminal differentiation.