In another series of experiments, we are studying the role of neurotrophins on neuronal survival. We are using differential display RT-PCR to identify genes that are expressed during neuronal death. One gene in particular that we have isolated is upregulated by nerve growth factor, and interestingly, this up-regulation is blocked by ethanol. Over the last academic year, I was on a sabbatical leave in Edinburgh, Scotland. During this time, I developed lines of conditionally immortalized neural precursors.
Ethanol is a major factor underlying cancer morbidity.