Cell Fate Determination of the Gbx2
Lineage in Mouse Spinal Cord Development
My lab uses Genetic
Inducible Fate Mapping (GIFM) to mark cells expressing specific genes at
defined times point in mouse development with fine spatial and temporal
resolution. We are then able to follow the marked cells throughout
development and determine the type of neurons they become (that is
establishing their cell fate) in mature tissue. One active project in the
lab is to mark and track cells expressing Gbx2 (a transcription factor)
during mouse spinal cord development. We then utilize molecular markers
to: 1. Ascertain whether Gbx2 expressing cells give rise to excitatory,
inhibitory, or modulatory spinal cord neurons; and 2. Establish the
ultimate position of the Gbx2-derived neurons in the spinal cord. We also
perform GIFM and analysis on genetic mutant backgrounds to determine the
relationship between marked cells and gene function. My lab has
appropriate 10 week-long projects that are definitive. The information we
gather will contribute to the further understanding of spinal cord
development and may augment strategies designed to ameliorate spinal cord
injuries.
