Neuroregeneration

This research program combines neuroregeneration and neurotransplantation research with genetic modification technology (transgenic mice, knock-out mice and replication-defective viral vectors) with the long-term goal to promote functional neuroregeneration of injured spinal cord tracts. Furthermore we search for novel regeneration-associated genes by using genome wide microarray screening technology and bioinformatics. The short-term objective of this program is to develop and employ in vivo gene transfer technology to modulate the response of neurons and glia cells to injury in order to provide new insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms that promote and/or inhibit neuroregeneration.

Molecular biological techniques (microarrays, viral vector construction, PCR, various types of biochemical techniques), cell and tissue culture, immuno-histochemistry, behavioral assays to assess functional recovery.