Change Your Environment, Change Your Destiny

A Look at Deciphering Regeneration in the Nervous System

Authors

  • Jessica Patrizi East Connecticut State University

Keywords:

neurons, neuron regeneration, neuroscience, brain injury, olfactory epithelium

Abstract

Both traumatic brain injury and stroke result in the death of brain cells and the loss of associated functions. Although the brain cannot readily regenerate these lost cells, there is a part of the nervous system that can regenerate itself. This is the tissue in the nose responsible for the sense of smell - the olfactory epithelium. Specialized neurons within the olfactory epithelium sense odorants in the air and transmit signals to the brain that allow for the sense of smell. However, these neurons have a limited lifespan and continually die. Without replacement, the sense of smell would be lost forever. Fortunately, most organisms maintain their sense of smell throughout life, as cells divide and mature to replace the lost neurons.

Neuron regeneration in the olfactory epithelium is governed in part by the cell’s environment known as the extracellular matrix. Previous studies using olfactory epithelial cells have shown that extracellular matrix molecules can affect neuron adhesion, migration, and size of formed colonies. However, the ability of these molecules to enhance neuron regeneration has yet to be revealed. With guidance from my mentor, Dr. Barbara Murdoch, my research is dedicated to understanding when and where the extracellular matrix molecules are naturally found and how different combinations affect neuron production. My working hypothesis is that neuron production will be enhanced by a combination of the signaling molecules rather than each individually. If we can understand how neurons in the olfactory epithelium regenerate, these mechanisms could be applied to help restore lost functions.

Faculty Mentor: Barbara Murdoch

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Published

2018-06-30

Issue

Section

Natural Sciences