Neurons generate elaborate axonal and dendritic networks.
These processes impart a characteristic shape to neurons and they ultimately determine both the number and types of synaptic connections that are established within the nervous system. The major goal of this laboratory is to identify the molecules, which control dendritic growth in sympathetic autonomic neurons. Our data indicate that axons and dendrites have different growth requirements and that they respond to different classes of molecules present in their extracellular milieu. For example, the sympathetic neurons, axonal growth is stimulated by large extracellular matrix protein such as laminin whereas dendritic growth is increased by exposure to osteogenic protein-1 and several other bone morphogenetic proteins. In addition, there appear to be several classes of molecules that inhibit the growth of dendrites, including retinoids and neuropoietic cytokines.