We take for granted a lot of things and one of them is our own body. Even the slightest damage like a cut in the finger reminds us that we should appreciate every inch of our body, although we forget soon after taking off the band-aid. However, what if the damage is irreversible? For example, an amputated finger, severed spinal nerves, or a balding head. This can happen to anyone, including myself and my loved ones. I envision a world where such injuries/diseases are simply cured by replacing it with a new one, a vision shared by others in the name of regenerative medicine.
To rebuild our organs, it makes sense to start by studying how it was built in the first place. To this end, I have joined professor Jianping Fu’s research group to study embryonic development. Currently, I am developing an in vitro hESC model for the nervous system development. In theory, the knowledge of the early development can be utilized for regeneration of the nervous system. However, specifically of how the knowledge can be used is still unclear to me. Thus, I plan to review the followings: 1) the current knowledge and knowledge gaps in the development of the nervous system, 2) the anatomy and physiology of the fully developed nervous system, 3) status quo of the treatment and regeneration of the nervous system. Sufficient knowledgeability on these three fronts will enable me to identify possible junctions of embryology and regenerative medicine.
Specific aspects I will review in the three fronts are as follows:
- The current knowledge in development of the nervous system
- Formation of the neural tube
- AP patterning of the neural tube
- DV patterning of the spinal cord
- Mechanism of Shh signaling
- Mechanism of dorsalizing signals such as BMPs and Wnts
- Pattern scaling
- Development of the brain (Forebrain ~ hindbrain)
- Neurogenesis
- The anatomy and physiology of the fully developed nervous system
- The Status quo of the treatment and regeneration of the nervous system
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