Nerve Injury and Repair Mechanisms - Role of Neurotrophic Molecules

Neurotrophic molecules are potent regulators of neuronal survival and differentiated phenotype. Current research is aimed at obtaining a greater understanding, at the cellular level, of the role of neurotrophic molecules and their receptors in the maintenance and repair of adult mammalian sensory neurons. The influence of neurotrophins (i.e. nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor or neurotrophin-3) on cytoskeletal, structural, growth/injury-associated and functional genes such as neuropeptides is assessed. Molecular biological, morphometric, histochemical and behavioural approaches are usedto determine the overall impact and therapeutic potential of these molecules.