POWRE: In Vivo Study of LPA Receptors in Peripheral Nerve

University Of California-San Diego, La Jolla CA

Investigators

Abstract

Friedman B IBN 0074776 It is now known that small lipids can mediate cell to cell communication, not unlike the traditional classes of extracellular signaling molecules such as peptide neurotransmitters. While much work has been done in in vitro cell culture studies to document biological effects of small lipids, it is only with the recent cloning of receptor families for small lipids that it has become to systematically study potential sites and mechanisms of action in vivo. In particular, while these lipids promote the survival of immature non-neuronal supporting cells in vitro, it would be of use to know if there are similar effects in the adult organism. The studies impossible this POWRE Proposal will determine which non-neuronal cell types possess receptors for bioactive lipids and also test whether differences in receptor levels influence the survival of these cells in vivo. This POWRE proposal will allow the investigator, after a career interruption for family responsibilities, an unprecedented opportunity to acquire new skills in the use of molecular biological techniques. It is anticipated that this funding will provide support for the generation of pilot data that is necessary to compete for grants by standard mechanisms.