The vertebrate somatosensory system is responsible for processing several types of sensory information. These include tactile, proprioceptive, thermal, and painful stimuli, with each sensory neuron specialized for transmitting only one kind of information. The somatosensory system also provides the basis for conscious perception of “self” as it detects stimuli from both external objects and the body itself. This particular function requires somatosensory neurons to form precise topographic maps faithfully representing the body inside the brain.

How this system is established during development, and maintained throughout the life of the organism?

Our lab employs both in vitro assays and mouse genetics in order to uncover the molecular mechanisms that govern these processes.

Specific projects in the lab

1. Axonal guidance during development

   During development axons over travel long distances until reach their target cells. In the last two decades many of the molecules that guide axons to their targets have been identified. However, the mechanisms by which these axonal guidance cues transmit their signal to the axon are largely unknown. We are using the robust response of sensory neurons to the Semaphorin family of guidance cues, to extract basic principles of the way axonal guidance cues are operating.
    

2. Axonal maintenance and degeneration

   Elimination of axons occurs as part of the development of the nervous system, after injury or during neurodegenerative disease. The mechanisms that govern this process are poorly understood, and whether the same pathways are operating during development, injury or disease is not known. We are investigating these questions using different paradigms of axonal degeneration. In addition, we are searching the mechanisms that prevent axonal degeneration, enabling the axon to remain intact and functional for the entire life of the organism.
    

3. Regulation of axonal mRNA trafficking and local translation

   There is growing evidence the cells can localize various mRNAs to different intracellular compartments. Sensory neurons with their long axons provide an ideal system to study how local translation us regulated. Using this system we aim to uncover basic principals - what are the mechanism the govern mRNA export into the axons? How the axonal local translation is regulated? What is the role of miRNAs and non-coding RNA in this process?