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November 12, 2004|Volume 33, Number 11



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Study shows spinal cord nerves regenerate despite absence of NgR protein

Mice engineered without the Nogo-66 Receptor (NgR) grew new nerve fibers after spinal cord injury, pointing to this receptor as a target for development of a drug to promote fiber recovery, according to a Yale study published Oct. 28 in Neuron.

The researchers -- led by Dr. Stephen Strittmatter, the Vincent Coates Professor of Neurology and professor of neurobiology at the School of Medicine -- found that myelin fractions from the brain were not able to block the regrowth of nerve fibers in mice lacking the NgR protein.

Myelin is the protective insulation surrounding nerve fibers of the central nervous system and loss of myelin interferes with the transmission of nerve signals. However, myelin also prevents fiber regeneration after injuries to the brain or spinal cord.

While brainstem neuronal populations show strong regenerative growth of fibers into the distal spinal cord when NgR is absent, not all fiber systems grow in the adult spinal cord. The long nerve fibers of the cortico-spinal tract that reach from the brain to the spinal cord to directly control movement did not regenerate in NgR mice after spinal cord injury.

Strittmatter says he and his colleagues will now look at the best pharmacological pathways to block the function of NgR, and also examine whether the new fiber growth might somehow change the behavior of the animal or otherwise have subtle adverse effects. There is no indication yet of any side effects from blocking the receptor.

Co-authors of the study included Ji-Eun Kim, Betty Liu and James Park, all of Yale.

-- By Jacqueline Weaver


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YCIAS event will honor new Leitner Professor

New database has info on all grants at Yale

The presidential election is topic of Poynter Lecture by CNN anchor

Noted surgeon displays his artistic side in sculpture exhibit

Alumni to explore Asian Americans' new role 'in the spotlight'

Environmental experts will explore the effects of the U.S. elections

Exhibit illuminates architects' work with 'Light Structures'

First talk in new series to explore gender studies in global context

Study links low education level with impaired recovery from illness

Researcher's grants support the development of statistical methods

Study enhances understanding of enzyme's role in psychiatric illnesses

Study shows spinal cord nerves regenerate despite absence of NgR protein

Journal fostering international dialogue . . .

Yale Books in Brief

Campus Notes


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