2024 Seed Grant
Yi-Rong Peng, Ph.D.
University of California, Los Angeles
The nervous system’s complex structure is created by precise connections among many types of cells. Neurodegenerative diseases disrupt these connections, leading to permanent neuron loss and the formation of abnormal connections among surviving neurons. This impairs the function of the remaining neural circuits and hinders the integration of new neurons from stem cells into the damaged areas. These connections are formed by recognition molecules on cell membranes, so this project aims to develop a method to study these membrane proteins in different neuron types during both development and degeneration. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
We are focusing on the mammalian retina, which is known for its organized connections and important role in vision. We plan to use advanced techniques to profile specific membrane proteins in various retinal cell types during their development and degeneration. By using machine learning, computational analysis, CRISPR gene manipulation, and high-resolution imaging, we aim to identify key molecular pathways involved in these processes. The methods and insights from studying the retina could be applied to other parts of the nervous system, potentially offering broader implications for understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases.
