GROUP OF RESTORATIVE NEUROBIOLOGY
ABOUT OUR LAB
We are working on the model of complete spinal cord transection to reveal and understand mechanisms underlying symptoms of functional recovery after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). We believe that modulation of such mechanisms can be an effective therapy for SCI. Our main focus are neurotrophins, their receptors, and related molecules; assuming that their selective regulation may limit signaling through pro-apoptotic pathways and promote recovery processes.
RESEARCH
main methods
Rat models of spinal cord injury are in use to investigate the potential of spinal networks and peripheral inputs to structural and functional recovery. Advanced histo- and immunohistochemistry combined with wide-field and confocal microscopy are used to study the plasticity of neuronal inputs and outputs of motoneurons. Neuronal tracing combined with dendritic and axonal immunodetection of signaling molecules, DNA/RNA staining, and identification of myelin and glia are used to examine transcriptional and translational activity in different cellular compartments.
Tissue sampling and Laser Capture Microdissection of single cells serve to identify regional and cell type-specific changes in gene and protein expression with the use of RT PCR, ELISA, and Western blotting. Electrophysiological setups for in vivo assessment of neuromuscular responses to injuries and pharmacological treatment, and behavioral setups for measurements of animal kinematics
during locomotion are in use.
GENETIC MANIPULATION OF BDNF/TRKB NEUROTROPHIN SIGNALING
potential of AAV-mediated BDNF transgene overexpression in early responses of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter systems in the transected spinal cord: assessment of contribution of pre-and postsynaptic molecules to altered signaling to motoneurons and at neuro-muscular junctions
CONTACT US
Ludwika Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
+48 22 589 24 33 / +48 22 589 24 38