Grant: CIHR New Investigator

Sensory neurons are frequently lost in patients with cancer, diabetes or HIV infection. Optimally, cell based therapies to selectively replace the missing sensory neurons will require knowledge of the molecular pathways controlling sensory neuron development and function. This knowledge may also be useful to treat other sensory neuropathies affecting hearing and vision. This proposal is directed at elucidating the signaling and transcription pathways that control development and function of sensory neurons that detect muscle stretch in the "knee-jerk" reflex. We have discovered a protein that is essential for these neurons to develop and survive. Using mouse models that lack this protein, we will dissect how this protein works to control sensory neuron development.