Barbara Hempstead

Professor

Biography

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.

Research Topics

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Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences 1300 York Ave. Box 65 New York, NY 10065 Phone: (212) 746-6565 Fax: (212) 746-5981