Publication
Protein kinases: master regulators of neuritogenesis and therapeutic targets for axon regeneration
Review article about protein kinases in neurite formation
What is it about?
This project aims to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal morphogenesis, such as neurite formation, spine formation, and synaptogenesis, in the developing cerebral cortex.
Why is it important?
Neuronal morphogenesis occurs relatively in early-stage during cortical development. Thus, the defects in these early steps largely affect the later steps, such as neural connection and activity. Recent studies using ASD animal models indicate the defects in neuronal morphogenesis, not only spine/synapse formation but also neurite formation. Thus, full understanding of neuronal morphogenesis is essential to understand the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Perspectives
Neurite formation is an early cellular event during cortical developments. The defects in this step affect on many later steps, such as neural connectivity and activity. Therefore, the full understanding of the mechanisms underlying neuronal morphogenesis is essential for advancing our knowledge about neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder.
Kazuhito
Toyooka
Drexel University
