Molecules and mechanisms regulating axonal degeneration and regeneration in C. elegans neurons (2012-2015)
Abstract
Axonal degeneration is a characteristic hallmark of neuronal injury, and of several neurodegenerative conditions. Axonal regeneration, which is the regrowth of the proximal axonal fragment still attached to the cell body, is a complementary event observed following nerve injury in a number of vertebrate and invertebrate neurons. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating axonal degeneration and regeneration is essential to identify key targets for the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions and nerve injuries. The overall aim of this Future Fellowship is to use the powerful genetic tools available for the nematode C. elegans to discover the basic molecular elements and mechanisms regulating these processes.
