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Molecular Regeneration and NeuroImaging Laboratory
The primary interest of Zhong lab is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that drive and direct axon growth and regeneration during early development and especially after injury or degenerative disease. We make extensive use of genetically modified mice to model disease conditions and to manipulate axon growth-related signaling cascades in vivo.
Signaling pathways controlling axon growth and regeneration
The goal of our research is to enable axon regeneration in the injured central nervous system, using experimental models of spinal cord injury and glaucoma. Several lines of genetically modified mice allow us to selectively activate or inactivate specific signaling molecules in neurons of interest in vivo. We assess regeneration phenotypes using high-resolution imaging, and we test for possible recovery of motor or visual behaviors.
Develop new treatment options for the RASopathies in mouse models
The RASopathies (also referred to as neuro-cardio-facio-cutaneous syndromes) are a related group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders affecting up to 1 in1000 live births. Mutations affecting the RAS–RAF–MAP kinase signaling pathway have been causally linked to the RASopathies. We have developed several mouse models which mimic the neurological aspects of human RASopathies’ syndromes. We investigate the underlying pathological causes of devise symptoms and test possible therapeutic strategies.
