Your email address is safe with us. View our Privacy policy.
Study: Developing neurons fight to survive
The Johns Hopkins University scientists said the developing nervous system makes far more nerve cells than are needed to ensure target organs and tissues are properly connected to it. So as nerves connect to target organs, they somehow compete with each other, resulting in some living and some dying.
Now, using a combination of computer modeling and molecular biology, the researchers have discovered the mechanism behind that action.,
"It was hard to imagine how this competition happens because the signal that leads cells to their targets also is responsible for keeping them alive, which begs the question: How do half of them die?" said Professor David Ginty.
The scientists found target tissues innervated by so-called peripheral neurons coax nerves to grow toward them by releasing nerve growth factor protein, or NGF. Once the nerve reaches its target, NGF changes from a growth cue to a survival factor. And, when some populations of nerve cells are deprived of NGF, they die.
The study was detailed in the April 18th issue of Science magazine.
Copyright 2008 by United Press International
This news arrived on: 05/08/2008
Printer Friendly Version | Send this page to a friend | Post Comment
Rate This Story:
Great - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - Bad
Posted Comments:
Comment archive | Comment FAQ's
 |
 |
View Science & Technology ezine stories by date or visit the complete archive |
The ArcaMax Politics channel is one of 70 content categories offered by ArcaMax Publishing on this ... |
ArcaMax Dating
