Dissertation
Alterations in the local environment of axons converge on intrinsic pathways that support growth of adult neurons
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Aug 2015
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-7474
Abstract
Neurons are a distinct population of cells that communicate information allowing us to think, move and respond to our environment. A typical neuron has a cell body, multiple dendrites and a single axon. Dendrites communicate information across short distances, while axons carry information across long distances. When the connection between the cell body and the axon's target is interrupted, functional deficits occur which can be permanent if the connection is not restored. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) can respond to axonal injury relatively well, with regeneration spontaneously occurring. Regeneration failure in the central nervous system (CNS) is from a decreased intrinsic growth capacity and an inhibitory extrinsic environment. To understand how to increase regeneration in the CNS, I took my understanding of some of known neural repair mechanisms in the PNS. The work described below focuses on mRNA localization, local protein synthesis, alterations in the cytoskeleton and mitochondrial transport. By providing a permissive environment to encourage CNS axon regeneration (Chapter 2) or by targeted inhibition of HDAC6 (Chapter 3) I provide data that supports intrinsic and extrinsic factors converge on mechanisms in the distal axons.
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Details
- Title
- Alterations in the local environment of axons converge on intrinsic pathways that support growth of adult neurons
- Creators
- Ashley Lauren Kalinski - DU
- Contributors
- Jeffery Twiss (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)Felice Elefant (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- ix, 178 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Biology; College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 7474; 991014632052604721