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Our lab has focused on defining the actions of the neurotrophin growth factors in the vasculature and in neurons. Although neurotrophins are best known for their survival and differentation-inducing actions on neurons, recent work indentifies critical functions in modulating synaptic activity and mediating cell death. Our current studies are focused on identifying (1) the biological actions of pro-neurotrophins in inducing apoptosis in response to injury and altering the development of the central nervous system; (2) the role of the neurotrophins BDNF and proNGF in regulating angiogenesis and vascular response to injury; and (3) mechanisms of neurotrophin release and processing from pro- to mature neurotrophin forms, thereby altering receptor specificity and biological action.
