Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2009

Mentor: Shuxin Li
Department: Neurology
Room number: ND4.124B
Mail Code: 8813
Phone number: 56231
E-mail: shuxin.li@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: Molecular mechanism for neuronal regeneration and repair in the damaged central nervous system

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 2007-0172

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects)

Brief Description of Project:

In the central nervous system (CNS), axonal damage due to trauma or degenerative neurological disorders usually causes the persistent dysfunction with a very limited recovery. Promotion of axonal regrowth and neuronal survival is essential for repairing the damaged CNS. Our research projects are focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the failure of axonal regeneration and cell death in the damaged CNS. Particularly, we are characterizing the axonal growth inhibitions mediated by extrinsic factors including myelin-derived molecules and glial scar-related proteoglycans. We are also studying the intracellular downstream signaling pathways that regulate axonal growth in the CNS. Another emphasis of our studies is to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the neural cell death in the CNS. The final goal of our research is to develop the successful therapeutic strategies for recovering CNS by promoting axonal regeneration and neuronal survival via targeting various molecules.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

GrandPré T*, Li S* and Strittmatter SM. Nogo-66 receptor antagonist peptide promotes axonal regeneration. Nature. 2002; 417: 547-551. (*Co-first author).
Kim JK*, Li S*, GrandPre T, Qiu K, Greer CA and Strittmatter SM. Axon regeneration in young adult mice lacking Nogo-A/B. Neuron. 2003; 38: 187-199. (*Co-first author).
Li S and Strittmatter SM. Delayed systemic Nogo-66 receptor antagonist after spinal cord injury promotes recovery. J Neurosci. 2003; 23: 4219-4227.
Zheng B, .Ho C, .Li S, Keirstead H, Steward O, Tessier-Lavigne M. Lack of enhanced spinal regeneration in Nogo deficient mice. Neuron. 2003; 38: 213-224.
Li S, Liu BP, Budel S, Li M, Ji B, Walus L, Jirik A, Rabacchi S, Choi E, Worley D, Sah DWY, Pepinsky B, Lee D, Relton J and Strittmatter SM. Blockade of Nogo-66, MAG plus OMgp by soluble Nogo-66 receptor promotes axonal sprouting and recovery after spinal injury. J Neurosci. 2004; 24:10511- 10520.
Cafferty W, Yang S, Duffy P, Li S and Strittmatter SM. Functional axonal regeneration through astrocytic scar genetically modified to digest chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. J Neurosci, 2007, 27:2176-85.
Fu Q, Hue J and Li S. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs promote axon regeneration via RhoA Inhibition. J Neurosci, 2007, 27:4154-64.
Dill J, Wang H, Zhou FQ and Li S. Inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 promotes axonal growth and recovery in the CNS. J Neurosci, 2008, 28:89-14.