My laboratory is interested in the cell extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms that regulate synapse number and function. In particular, we are interested in the role of glial cells in regulating neuronal synapse formation and function. To study the interactions between neurons and glia, we use methods to highly purify and culture both neurons and glia. Using these methods we have discovered novel signaling pathways that regulate synapse number. We are extending this work to examine the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate synapse number, stabilization, and elimination in the developing CNS. |
Christopherson K, Ullian EM, Stokes C, Mullowney C, Lawler J, Mosher D, Bornstein P, BA Barres (2005 ) Thrombospondins are astrocyte-secreted proteins that promote CNS synaptogenesis. Cell, 120 (3):421-33.
Ullian, E.M., Harris, B., Wu, A, Chan, J., and Barres, B.A. (2004) Schwann cells and astrocytes induce synapse formation by spinal motor neurons in culture. MCN 25: 241-251.
Ullian, E.M., Sapperstein, S., Christopherson, K.C., Barres, B.A. (2001) Control of synapse number by glia. Science, 291: 657-661.
Kaplan, M. R., Cho, M.H., Ullian, E.M., Isom, L.L., Levinson, S.R. and Barres, B.A. (2001) Differential control of clustering of the sodium channels Na v 1.2 and Na v 1.6 at developing CNS nodes of ranvier. Neuron 30: 105-119.
information last updated November 2004
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Biomedical Sciences (BMS) Graduate Program
