A4: From neural stem cell to regenerated spinal cord: Cell proliferation and diversification of neural stem cells during spinal cord regeneration in Ambystoma mexicanum

Project leader: Prof. Dr. E. M. Tanaka

We found that during axolotl spinal cord regeneration, spinal cord cells revert to a primitive neuroepithelial state that undergoes stem cell expansion. We have identified wnt5, shh and FGF4 as potential regulators of this effect. Here we want to test the functional role of these signalling pathways in reverting neural stem cells to a primitive neuroepithelial state in both axolotl and mammalian cells. Furthermore, we want to identify other regulators that control neural stem cell expansion during regeneration.