Neurite development and regeneration in C. elegans neurons

 

On Wednesday 12 October 2011, Dr Massimo Hilliard, of QBI's Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, will speak on the subject of neurite development and regeneration in C. elegans neurons. 

Neurons exhibit distinct morphological domains, axons and dendrites, which are essential for functional wiring of the nervous system. The molecular mechanisms required for correct development of dendrites are poorly understood, and similarly, our understanding of how dendrites and axons regenerate after injury is also limited. 
 
Using C. elegans as a model system, we have discovered that Wnt proteins, a group of highly conserved secreted morphogens, interact with their canonical Frizzled receptors to control dendrite development. We found that Wnt molecules act as attractive signals to determine both the initiation and direction of dendrite outgrowth.
 
Using a laser-induced injury model we have investigated the cellular mechanism regulating neurite regeneration. We found that in C. elegans, the regrowing axon still attached to cell body (proximal) is able to specifically reconnect with its separated distal segment, restoring the original axonal tract. We discovered that this reconnection occurs through a mechanism of axonal fusion, whereby membrane and cytoplasmic continuity are re-established. From a candidate screening approach, we have identified molecules necessary for successful regeneration and specifically involved in the fusion process. 
 
DETAILS
Date: 12 October 2011
Time: 12:00 - 1:00PM
Location: Level 7 Auditorium, QBI Building (#79), St.Lucia Campus
 
For a list of upcoming seminars at QBI, go to http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/neuroscience-seminars

 

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