Description (Edit): Axons are projections of neurons that transfer information over long distances from the nerve cell bodies to their postsynaptic partners. If peripheral axons are severed, neurons can regenerate the axon using the nerve sheath as a physical conduit for growing. In cases where the natural nerve conduits are missing (gaps in peripheral nerves due to injuries; or when axons should be guided to artificial targets), artificial conduits can be provided. These conduits should actively support axonal survival, guide axons towards the target, and selectively attract and support certain cell types while repelling others.
The aim of this project is to understand how topographical and chemical features of artificial conduit surfaces influence the behaviour of neural cells (neurons and glia) in general, and the growth of neurites in particular. For this purpos, we dissect specific subpopulations of primary neurons from chicken embryos and grow them on defined, chemically and topographically patterned surfaces. We analyze the cellular behaviour biochemically and morphologically, using a wide variety of analysis tools ranging from immunological quantification of neuronal proteins to time-lapse studies of single growth cones.
For many of these experiments – as well as for experiments with neuro-electronic interfaces – vital labelling of neurons with nontoxic fluorescent markers is essential. For these experiments, we employ the method of in ovo electroporation of very young donor-embryos with plasmids for fluorescent reporter proteins such as eYFP, eGFP or mRFP. This leads to the transfection of a high percentage of embryonic neurons, which are subsequently endogenously fluorescent due to the expression of the fluorescent transgene.
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Description (Edit): Axons are projections of neurons that transfer information over long distances from the nerve cell bodies to their postsynaptic partners. If peripheral axons are severed, neurons can regenerate the axon using the nerve sheath as a physical conduit for growing. In cases where the natural nerve conduits are missing (gaps in peripheral nerves due to injuries; or when axons should be guided to artificial targets), artificial conduits can be provided. These conduits should actively support axonal survival, guide axons towards the target, and selectively attract and support certain cell types while repelling others.
The aim of this project is to understand how topographical and chemical features of artificial conduit surfaces influence the behaviour of neural cells (neurons and glia) in gene...
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