Recipients

Despite a better ability of injured peripheral nerves to regenerate than those of the central nervous system, regeneration of these nerves is not perfect and is often associated with reduced motor capabilities and neuropathic pain. Recent discoveries have revealed that brief electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves at the time of nerve repair elevates expression of a protein located in and around the brain called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). It is believed that the presence of BDNF greatly improves the ability of sensory neurons to regenerate.

Dr. Vaigundaragavendran Jegadeesan is conducting a deeper investigation of how local sources of BDNF might regulate regeneration. He proposes that it involves local regulation of expression of molecules in the growing axon tip and that this is regulated by the availability of sources of BDNF at the growing axon tips. He hopes to discover the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms in order to gain knowledge that would contribute to the design of better nerve repair strategies.

< Back to Search Results