Project Summary

Eric Wexler, M.D., Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2002) of Stanford University, will attempt to determine which signaling pathways and receptors are expressed by hippocampal stem-cells (HSCs) in vitro and in vivo.  Stem cells and adult neurogenesis have been strongly tied to memory, chronic stress and major depression.  Dr. Wexler's study will test the role Wnt signaling has in modulating adult neurogenesis and he has identified a signaling intersection where Wnt and lithium signaling converge.  He will then engineer retroviruses to introduce Wnt proteins into HSCs and measure the effects on cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptotic cell death.  This project will attempt to elucidate the role of stem cells and neurogenesis in psychiatric illness.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Depression (Unipolar)\Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

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