Growth factors in the nervous system
Our work focuses on the functional role of BDNF and its cell biology, including differences between mouse and primates. Blood platelets contain high levels of BDNF in humans, but not in the mouse, suggesting that blood-derived BDNF may impact brain function. A new mouse model mimicking the situation in primates allows us to explore the potential benefits of platelet BDNF. We also use neurons derived from human embryonic stem cells to test novel reagents activating the BDNF receptor TrkB.
Keywords
Developmental neurobiology / growth factors & their receptors / stem cells