Interesting Development — Einstein researchers, Dr. Zaven Kaprelian and MSTP student Arlene Bravo-Ambrosio, have identified the control points at the molecular level that facilitate how motor neurons extend their signal-carrying axons out of the spinal cord during development. Motor neurons carry signals from the central nervous system and instruct muscles to move. Understanding the molecular underpinnings of this key process in the development of the vertebrate nervous system lays the groundwork for future rational design of therapies for the recovery of motor function in the injured and diseased spinal cord and brain. The duo reported their findings in the journal Development. Ms. Bravo-Ambrosio was lead author on the paper; she is an M.D.-Ph.D. student in Dr. Kaprielian’s laboratory. Dr. Kaprielian is professor of pathology and of neuroscience.
Posted on: Tuesday, April 03, 2012