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Professor G. Schiavo

The Molecular NeuroPathobiology Laboratory

The research programme of the Molecular NeuroPathobiology Laboratory (MNP) is focussed on proving the hypothesis that impairment of the selectivity and/or efficiency of long-range communication in neurons caused by defects in membrane traffic constitute a major pathogenic mechanism in the nervous system. Indeed, the unique architecture and signalling capacity of neurons is maintained by trafficking events regulating the dynamics of intracellular organelles, such as signalling endosomes and mitochondria, and the spatio-temporal pattern of receptor stimulation by morphogens, neurotrophins and other growth factors. Axonal transport constitutes the backbone of this long-distance crosstalk, functionally connecting peripheral compartments, such as synapses, with events occurring in the soma and vice versa.

Our laboratory has provided crucial contributions to the field by defining the mechanism(s) responsible for the uptake and sorting of neurotrophin receptor complexes and virulence factors, and the coupling of these endocytic routes with the axonal retrograde transport pathway. We have demonstrated the essential role of cytoplasmic dynein and its adaptor proteins in this process, and provided a functional link between mutations in components of this transport pathway and neuronal dysfunctions. The translational potential of our findings have recently been confirmed by the discovery that these mutations are associated with a broad spectrum of disorders of the nervous system in human patients, including motor and sensory pathologies.

Primary spinal motor neuron in culture

Figure 1. Primary spinal cord motor neuron in culture

Cellular Models: Our main model is the motor neuron, a type of neuron that functionally connect skeletal muscles with motor control centres located in the CNS. We isolate motor neurons either from embryonic spinal cord or derive them from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells by in vitro differentiation. In addition, we also culture dorsal root ganglia, cortical, and hippocampal neurons.

Approaches: We have set up in our laboratory several techniques enabling us to study the composition, trafficking and signalling potential of signalling endosomes. We have performed imaging-based chemical and siRNA screens to test modulators of axonal transport and somatic sorting using ES-derived motor neurons, and established imaging protocols to monitor axonal transport both in vitro and in vivo using high resolution confocal and electron microscopy.

We strongly believe that only by understanding the basic principles of membrane trafficking and signalling will we be able to uncover the pathological changes responsible for many human disorders, including cancer. These fundamental processes might then be exploited to provide an earlier and more accurate diagnosis, translating into improved pharmacological treatments and more favourable prognosis.

Professor Giampietro Schiavo's UCL IRIS Profile

 

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