Signal transduction and cytoskeletal mechanisms underlying neural development, disorders, and regeneration.
My research centers on the signal transduction and cytoskeletal mechanisms that underlie a variety of cellular events associated with neural development, disorders, and regeneration. Currently, we are investigating several projects concerning axon guidance and regeneration, synapse formation and plasticity, and trafficking defects in neurodegenerative diseases. We employ some unique experimental approaches that are based on functional analyses at the single molecule/cell level in combination with sophisticated molecular/cellular imaging and powerful molecular manipulation for our research. Our goal is to not only provide a mechanistic understanding of these crucial developmental events, but also gain substantial knowledge on the molecular and cellular basis for brain abnormality and disorders. It is our hope that these basic studies will build the foundation for the development of potential strategies and treatments to promote regeneration and repair of damaged neuronal circuitry after neural injuries and degeneration. For more details, visit our lab website at http://cellbio.emory.edu/lab/zheng/.
