Title

The Role of Gpr126 in Myelin Maintenance and Regeneration in the Peripheral Nervous System

Date of Award

Spring 5-15-2015

Author's School

Arts & Sciences

Author's Department/Program

Biology

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Abstract

Myelin is a multilayered insulating membrane that allows rapid propagation of electrical signals and provides neurotrophic and cellular support to axons. Specialized glial cells called oligodendrocytes synthesize myelin in the central nervous system (CNS), while Schwann cells myelinate axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Irregular myelin formation or myelin degeneration leads to debilitating diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) in the CNS and Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease in the PNS. However, the molecular mechanisms behind myelin maintenance or regeneration after injury or disease are not well understood. Adhesion G Protein- Coupled Receptors (aGPCRs) are a unique class of GPCRs, in that they have a large extracellular N-terminus containing domains that may be responsible for cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions, as well as the classic 7TM domain involved in signaling. Previous studies have shown the necessity of the aGPCR Gpr126 for normal Schwann cell growth and myelin formation during both mice and zebrafish PNS development (Monk et al., 2009, 2011).

Language

English (en)

Advisor/Committee Chair

Dr. Kelly Monk

Advisor/Committee Chair's Department

Department of Developmental Biology

Second Advisor

Dr. Amit Mogha

Second Advisor's Department

Department of Developmental Biology

Third Advisor

Dr. Kathryn Miller

Third Advisor's Department

Department of Biology

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