We study the mechanism by which neurotrophic stimuli, particularly membrane depolarization, promote neuronal survival and differentiation. Neurons exist in complex environments in which they are constantly exposed to many diverse signals. Like all cells, neurons respond to various extracellular stimuli that signal via plasma membrane receptors.
Neurons are unique in that they are electrically active.
Nerve membrane electrical activity is also an important regulator of survival, neurite growth, and synaptic plasticity. We wish to understand how electrical activity controls intracellular events and how neurons sum these different stimuli and make appropriate responses. SGNs respond strongly to depolarization and this response is summed with responses to other neurotrophic stimuli. Also, the simplicity of the presynaptic input to SGNs in vivo makes SGNs very amenable to experimental manipulation of the presynaptic input in vivo as well as in vitro . PC12 cells provide a source of large numbers of homogenous cells for studies requiring biochemical methods.