Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Rutgers University Scientist's Research Reveals Critical Knowledge About the Nervous System

Rutgers University Scientist's Research Reveals Critical Knowledge About the Nervous System

November 07, 2007

Uncover the neural communication links involved in myelination, the process of protecting a nerve's axon, and it may become possible to reverse the breakdown of the nervous system's electrical transmissions in such disorders as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, diabetes and cancers of the nervous system.

With $697,065 in grants from the New Jersey Commission on Spinal Cord Injury and the New Jersey Commission on Brain Injury Research, Haesun Kim of Teaneck, NJ, assistant professor of biological sciences at Rutgers University in Newark, is working on gaining a better understanding of those links.




Specifically, her work focuses on Schwann cells within the peripheral nervous system and their communication links with the axons they myelinate by enwrapping them in myelin. Axons are the long fibrous part of neurons that carry the nerve's electrical signals. A fatty substance, myelin covers those axons both to protect them and to provide a conduit for the fast conduction of electrical signals within the nervous system. Once that myelin is lost,the electrical signal breaks down and eventually the neuron dies - like a cell phone that loses its signal.

Determining how Schwann cells and axons communicate with one another could lead to an understanding of how to promote remyelination, the rebuilding of myelin, and restoration of that signal. One unique aspect of the communication link between Schwann cells and axons is that they
are mutually dependent upon that connection for their existence.

"When Schwann cells are generated during development, axons send out signals to the Schwann cells and tell them, 'You are going to become myelin cells and you are going to myelinate me,'" explains Kim. "The Schwann cells in turn guide the axons to where they need to go and direct the axons to grow."

By pinpointing the sequence and nuances of the communication links involved in myelination, targeted genetic and pharmacological interventions possibly could be developed to restore the loss of myelin. Such an understanding additionally may allow for the effective transplanting of Schwann cells in the central nervous system to promote remyelination and the correction of neurological disorders at that level.

The New Jersey Commission on Spinal Cord Injury has provided $397,066 and the New Jersey Commission on Brain Injury Research $299,999 to support Kim's research.

Kim received her M.S. in biology from the University of Toledo, her Ph.D. in cell biology, neurobiology and anatomy from the University of Cincinnati, and performed her post-doctoral work at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School. She joined the Rutgers-Newark faculty in 2004.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey



Related Nervous System Current Events and Nervous System News Articles Nervous System Current Events and Nervous System News RSS Nervous System Current Events and Nervous System News RSS
Schizophrenia gene's role may be broader, more potent, than thought
UCSF scientists studying nerve cells in fruit flies have uncovered a new function for a gene whose human equivalent may play a critical role in schizophrenia.

The Protein Srebp2 Drives Cholesterol Formation in Prion-Infected Neuronal Cells Which May Promote Prion-Dependent Diseases
The regulating protein Srebp2 drives cholesterol formation, which prions need for their propagation, in prion-infected neuronal cells.

Pushing the brain to find new pathways
Until recently, scientists believed that, following a stroke, a patient had about six months to regain any lost function. After that, patients would be forced to compensate for the lost function by focusing on their remaining abilities.

Neural mechanism reveals why dyslexic brain has trouble distinguishing speech from noise
New research reveals that children with developmental dyslexia have a deficit in a brain mechanism involved in the perception of speech in a noisy environment.

Largest-ever database for liver proteins may lead to treatments for hepatitis
Scientists at a group of 11 research centers in China are reporting for the first time assembly of the largest-ever collection of data about the proteins produced by genes in a single human organ.

Men leave: Separation and divorce far more common when the wife is the patient
A woman is six times more likely to be separated or divorced soon after a diagnosis of cancer or multiple sclerosis than if a man in the relationship is the patient, according to a study that examined the role gender played in so-called "partner abandonment." The study also found that the longer the marriage the more likely it would remain intact.

Reduced muscle strength associated with risk for Alzheimer's
Individuals with weaker muscles appear to have a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and declines in cognitive function over time, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Scientists successfully reprogram blood cells
Researchers have transplanted genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells into mice so that their developing red blood cells produce a critical lysosomal enzyme -preventing or reducing organ and central nervous system damage from the often-fatal genetic disorder Hurler's syndrome.

Yoga boosts heart health
Heart rate variability, a sign of a healthy heart, has been shown to be higher in yoga practitioners than in non-practitioners, according to research to be published in a forthcoming issue of the International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics.

UCI embryonic stem cell therapy restores walking ability in rats with neck injuries
The first human embryonic stem cell treatment approved by the FDA for human testing has been shown to restore limb function in rats with neck spinal cord injuries - a finding that could expand the clinical trial to include people with cervical damage.
More Nervous System Current Events and Nervous System News Articles
The Nervous System: A True Book (True Books-Health)

The Nervous System: A True Book (True Books-Health)
by Darlene R. Stille (Author)

Describes the various parts of the nervous system and explains how sensory messages are sent back and forth through nerves between the brain and the body.

An Introduction to Nervous Systems

An Introduction to Nervous Systems
by Ralph J. Greenspan (Author)

An Introduction to Nervous Systems presents the principles of neurobiology from an evolutionary perspective from single celled organisms to complex invertebrates such as flies and is ideal for use as a supplemental textbook. Greenspan describes the mechanisms that allow behavior to become ever more sophisticated from simple avoidance behavior of Paramecium through to the complex cognitive behaviors of the honeybee and shows how these mechanisms produce the increasing neural complexity found in these organisms. The book ends with a discussion of what is universal about nervous systems and what may be required, neurobiologically, to be human. This novel and highly readable presentation of fundamental principles of neurobiology is designed to be accessible to undergraduate and graduate...

The Nervous System Anatomical Chart Laminated

The Nervous System Anatomical Chart Laminated
by Anatomical Chart Company

Featuring classic illustrations by Peter Bachin, this chart shows nerves in the body, brain, midbrain, medulla oblongata, and spinal cord. Spinal meninges, intercostal nerves, and sagittal section of female pelvis are also shown.

The Brain: Our Nervous System

The Brain: Our Nervous System
by Seymour Simon (Author)

Exceptional nonfiction for children from two of the most trusted names in science education: Seymour Simon and the Smithsonian Institution.



Just The Facts: The Human Body - Nervous System

Just The Facts: The Human Body - Nervous System
Starring: Just the Facts
Directed By: Cerebellum Corporation

Are you right- or left-handed? Do you remember your first day of school? What are you thinking right now? The answers to these questions go right to the "brains of the operation," the incredible nervous system of the human body. This second part of The Human Body series explores the brain, spinal cord, nerves and the trillions of neurons, or nerve cells, that make our bodies uniquely human.

Experts in neuroscience help us understand why the human brain is a marvel of structure and function. Viewers learn about left brain and right brain activities, and the purpose and function of the cerebellum, cerebrum, cranial nerves and other parts of the brain. The program also examines the interaction of the spinal cord and nerve endings, as well as fascinating concepts...

The Nervous System (True Books)

The Nervous System (True Books)
by Christine Taylor-Butler (Author)



PetAlive PetCalm for Pet Nervous System Balance and Stress (20g)

PetAlive PetCalm for Pet Nervous System Balance and Stress (20g)
by PetAlive

PetAlive PetCalm contains a special blend of herbal and homeopathic ingredients known for their calming and soothing effect. PetCalm is a natural remedy with no risk of side effects or addiction and can be safely used by animals of all ages and sizes. PetCalm may be used regularly to reduce anxiety and stress in highly strung or chronically anxious pets, or as needed for relief during particularly stressful situations like competitive events, visits to the vet, change of home, domestic stress, etc. Use PetCalm to immediately calm anxious, stressed and highly strung pets; to treat anxiety in pets with anxiety disorders or those with nervous dispositions; to reduce anxiety and excitability in competitive events; to help your pet cope during times of domestic stress (conflict, divorce or...

GREY MATTER funny humor nervous system retro WB SHIRT

GREY MATTER funny humor nervous system retro WB SHIRT
by TS Threads

Brand New Never Been Worn. Grey Matter Shirt. Sizes Available: Youth Small - Adult 6XL Mention the size you want within your payment.

The Human Nervous System: An Introduction

The Human Nervous System: An Introduction
by Marion Hall (Author), Gisela Olias (Author), David Robinson (Author)

CD-ROM, in display case, designed to follow the Open University CD-ROM, 'The Human Brain.' The CD-ROM is an interactive software program for students and consumers, explaining the human nervous system. No previous neurobiology experience required. For distance learning. System requirements: Pentium PC with 16 MB RAM, 8MB hard disk space, Windows 95+, and 6x CD-ROM drive.

Senses, Nervous & Respiratory Systems (Human Body)

Senses, Nervous & Respiratory Systems (Human Body)
by Susan Lang (Author)

How long is a nerve cell? How are our lungs like a train station? We answer these questions and much more in our second resource on the human body. Curriculum-based material written in an easy-to-understand way makes this a hit for teachers and students alike. Loaded with information on the brain, spinal cord and nerves, students will learn the main parts of the nervous system and how each works. Also investigate the organs of the five senses, and then take a trip around the respiratory system! Find out exactly where air goes when we breathe it in, and then out. Reading passages, comprehension questions, hands-on activities and overheads are provided. Also included: Crossword, Word Search and Final Quiz.

© 2009 BrightSurf.com