Neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis

Dr. Lagenaur's research interests center on cell recognition events that are important in synapse formation and function. The laboratory is currently studying two cell adhesion molecules, SIRP and CD47 which bind to one another and are localized to sites of synaptic contact. Both molecules have signaling capabilities and may be involved in regulation of synaptic plasticity. The goal of the laboratory's research is to determine how SIRP and CD47 signaling modify synaptic function.
Trainees in Dr. Lagenaur's laboratory have the opportunity to learn a variety of molecular and cell biological techniques such as cell culture, video microscopy, in situ hybridization, and immunochemical techniques for investigating biochemistry of signal transduction molecules in the central nervous system.

Yan, Y., Lagenaur, C.F., and Narayanan, V. Molecular cloning of M6: Identification of a PLP/DM20 gene family. Neuron 11: 234-431, 1993.

Comu, S., Weng, W., Olinsky, S., Ishwad, P., Mi, Z., Hempel, J., Watkins, S., Lagenaur, C.F., and Narayanan, V. The Murine P84 neural adhesion molecule is SHPS-1, a member of the phosphatase-binding protein family. J. Neurosci. 17: 8702-8710, 1997.

Jiang, P., Lagenaur, C.F., and Narayanan, V. Integrin-associated protein is a ligand for the P84 neural cell adhesion moelcule. J. Biol. Chem. 274: 559-562, 1999.

Mi, Z-P., Jiang, P., Weng, W.L., Lindberg, F. P., Narayanan, V., and Lagenaur, C. Expression of a synapse-associated membrane protein, P84/SHPS-1 and its ligand IAP/CD47 in mouse retina. J. Comp. Neurol. 416: 335-344, 2000.

Oldenborg, P.-A., Zheleznyak, A., Fang, Y.-F., Lagenaur, C.F., Gresham, H.D., and Lindberg, F.P. Role of CD47 as a marker of self on red blood cells. Science 288: 2051-2054, 2000.

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