My
research revolves around a unique glial cell type found only in
the olfactory system: Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs, for short).
OECs can be found along the entire length of olfactory axons, escorting
ORNs from the peripheral to the central nervous system. Since ORNs
are continually born, differentiate, mature and are ultimately replaced,
OECs provide an environment where continual axon growth occurs in
the adult body. Because of this, there has been great interest in
utilizing these cells to provide a permissive environment for neuronal
repair in other parts of the body (spinal cord injury repair, for
example). Studies involving transplanting OECs into the injured
spinal cord have yielded promising results and have prompted several
groups to ask: How do OECs promote axon growth? Can we use our understanding
of OEC function to improve upon the limited regeneration mediated
by these cells? My project aims to examine OEC function at the level
of secreted factors produced by these cells. Incorporating a combination
of conditioned media grown under various conditions, tissue culture
assays and ICAT proteomics, I hope to 'mine' this rich axonal growth-promoting
mixture to identify the factors that are essential for OEC function. Supported by the MS Society of Canada
My
research revolves around a unique glial cell type found only in
the olfactory system: Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs, for short).
OECs can be found along the entire length of olfactory axons, escorting
ORNs from the peripheral to the central nervous system. Since ORNs
are continually born, differentiate, mature and are ultimately replaced,
OECs provide an environment where continual axon growth occurs in
the adult body. Because of this, there has been great interest in
utilizing these cells to provide a permissive environment for neuronal
repair in other parts of the body (spinal cord injury repair, for
example). Studies involving transplanting OECs into the injured
spinal cord have yielded promising results and have prompted several
groups to ask: How do OECs promote axon growth? Can we use our understanding
of OEC function to improve upon the limited regeneration mediated
by these cells? My project aims to examine OEC function at the level
of secreted factors produced by these cells. Incorporating a combination
of conditioned media grown under various conditions, tissue culture
assays and ICAT proteomics, I hope to 'mine' this rich axonal growth-promoting
mixture to identify the factors that are essential for OEC function.