RNA metabolism in developing neurons

Neurons are highly polarised cells that communicate electrical signals between each other and between our tissues and the brain. Thus, they often need to be of considerable length and require specialised transport mechanisms to communicate between the far ends of the cell. It is now clear that transport, metabolism and local translation of mRNAs are critical for the growth and health of neurons such that it has been hypothesized that many neuronal disorders are due to alterations of these processes. In a systematic approach that spans from molecular analyses to the investigation of nerve growth in vivo, we will identify the biochemical mechanisms that regulate mRNA metabolism in neurons and how they influence neuronal growth and development. The highly innovative nature of our research will provide new and exciting findings that will have implications for the health of the nervous system and for understanding the basis of neuronal diseases.