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Zheng-Zheng Bao, Ph.D.Academic Role: Associate Professor
Faculty Appointment(s) In:
Other Affiliation(s):
Vertebrate neural development: establishment of neuronal network
Establishment of precise neuronal network during embryonic development is crucial for the function of the mature nervous systems. Understanding the process of neuronal connection will help uncover the causes of developmental neural disorders, neural degeneration, and facilitate studies on regeneration and stem cell therapy. We are interested in molecular and cellular mechanisms by which axons are guided to their targets, a key process in establishment of neuronal connectivity. Particularly, we are interested in how membrane trafficking and cytoskeletal organizations are regulated in the process of axon guidance. We use retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon as a model system and combine molecular, genetic and cell biological approaches. In the past several years, we have identified a number of molecules that play important roles in RGC axon pathfinding including Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Zic3 and Slit-1. Current projects in this laboratory include: (a) Investigate Shh signaling pathway that mediates its effects on the growing axons; (b) identify genes involved in membrane trafficking process including membrane insertion, retrieval and movement during axon guidance; (c) study signaling pathways involved in membrane trafficking.
Office: LRB #221
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Lazare Research Bldg, 364 Plantation Street, Rm. 708 Worcester, MA 01605-2324