| Principal Investigators
Barry B. Kaplan, Ph.D. |
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Dr.
Kaplan received his B.A. and M.S. degrees from Hofstra
University and his Ph.D. degree in cellular and developmental
biology from Cornell University. After completing postdoctoral
training in molecular neurobiology at the Andrus Gerontology
Center, University of Southern California, he joined the
faculty of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
of the Cornell University Medical College. In 1983, he
moved to the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic,
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he became
Director of the Molecular Neurobiology and Genetics Program.
In 1996, he relocated to the NIMH as Associate Director
of Fellowship Training in the Division of Intramural Research.
Dr. Kaplans laboratory is studying the subcellular
compartmentation of neuronal gene expression. |
Research Interests |
The Section on Neurobiology is studying the subcellular compartmentation of neuronal gene expression. The goal of this laboratory is to delineate the composition, trafficking, and function of the mRNA populations present in the axon and presynaptic nerve terminal. The role played by micro RNAs in the regulation of the local protein synthetic systems is also being investigated. Our studies employ primary sympathetic neurons cultured in Campenot multicompartment chambers as a model mammalian neuronal system. It is hypothesized that key elements of the cytomatrix, axon transport system, translation apparatus, and proteins needed to maintain mitochondrial activity are synthesized locally in the axon, and that the local synthesis of protein plays a key role in neuronal development, regeneration and plasticity. |
Representative Selected Recent Publications: |
- Kaplan BB, Gioio AE, Hillefors M, Aschrafi A:
Axonal protein synthesis and the regulation of local mitochondrial function.
In Cell Biology of the Axon, E. Koenig (ed.), Springer-Verlag Berlin, 2009. (View PDF)
- Aschrafi A, Schwechter AD, Mameza MG, Natera-Naranjo O, Gioio AE, Kaplan BB:
MicroRNA-338 regulates local cytochrome c oxidase IV mRNA levels and oxidative phosphorylation in the axons of sympathetic neurons.
J Neurosci, 28:12581-12590, 2008. (View PDF)
- Hillefors M, Gioio AE, Mameza MG, Kaplan BB:
Axonal viability and mitochondrial function are dependent on local protein synthesis in sympathetic neurons.
Cell Molec Neurobiol, 2007; 27: 701-716. (View PDF)
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Address:
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Phone: |
301-451-4512 |
Email Dr. Kaplan |
Fax: |
301-594-3189 |
Lab Web Site: |
No website available |
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