We study how neurons integrate extracellular signals that regulate their survival and axonal growth. Like all cells, neurons respond to various extracellular stimuli that signal via plasma membrane receptors.
Neurons are special in that they are also electrically active.
Nerve membrane electrical activity, like signaling through plasma membrane receptors, is an important regulator of neuronal survival and axonal growth. Collaboration with other investigators has allowed us to extend our studies to other in vivo and in vitro preparations but an advantage of SGNs is that they clearly demonstrate the ability to sum and integrate extracellular signals in vivo and in vitro . We use primarily molecular genetic approaches to analyze neuronal response mechanisms. Thus, we assess the function of CaMK by using transfection to introduce into cultured neurons wild-type or specific mutant forms of CaMK isoforms. Comparable approaches are used to study other intracellular signal systems.