Prof Alun Davies FRS
GFP-transfected embryonic sensory neuron in culture
We use a variety of approaches to investigate how secreted signalling molecules affect the generation and survival of neurons and influence the establishment and modification of their connections in the developing vertebrate nervous system. We have established well-characterised cell culture systems to ascertain the roles of these factors at defined stages in neuroblast and neuronal development and we transgenic technology to investigate the consequences of null mutations the genes encoding these factors, their receptors and other regulatory molecules. We also have a particular current interest in the role of the NF-kB family of transcription factors in regulating the growth of neural processes.
Research Team Members
Post-docs
bIII tubulin stained cortical neurons in culture
PhD students
Mr Christopher Laurie (co-supervisor with Dr. Sean Wyatt)
Research Grants
Wellcome Trust Programme Grant, 2008-2013 £1,366,318 "The TNF superfamily in neuronal development"
European Commission Grant, 2009-2012 3,472,653 Euro Co-applicants: P. Ernfors, C. Ibanez, R. Klein, B. Kull, M. Saarma, P. Salinas, Y. Yrjanheikki. “Molecular mechanisms of neuronal restoration: Novel approaches for Parkinsons’s disease”