We are interested in how specific nerve connections are formed in the central nervous system (CNS).  This interest in axon navigation concerns wiring up the brain during development and in trying to re-connect areas of the brain during regeneration.  Our focus is on two well-characterised systems; the visual pathway and the corticospinal tract.  In particular we are looking at two major axon navigation choice points, the optic chiasm and corticospinal decussation. 

Current Research Programme

In the developing brain we are looking at the expression of molecules associated with axon guidance at decision points.  The differential expression of these molecules controls the pattern of crossing at the midline and the organisation of axons as they grow towards their targets.  We use a variety of axon tracing, immunohistochemical and cell culture techniques in these studies as well as analysis of developmentally expressed genes.

We are also interested in the regeneration of retinal ganglion cells, the nerve cells that convey information from the retina to the rest of the brain.  We have shown that glial cells of the nervous system make factors that can promote the survival and regeneration of damaged neurons.  For example, Schwann cells from peripheral nerves make factors that promote both CNS and peripheral nervous system (PNS) regeneration.  These factors include known neurotrophins and novel factors, such as osteonectin, that we have isolated from Schwann cells.

We are currently characterising these novel molecules and their effects on a variety of neurons.  Building on our work on Schwann cells we are now looking at Müller glial cells, the intrinsic glial cells of the retina.  We are using a combination of cellular and molecular techniques to look at factors made Müller glial cells, and their roles in promoting retinal ganglion cell regeneration.

Jeremy Taylor