Building the DREZ and DRG
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The dorsal root entry zone is where sensory axons from the dorsal root ganglia enter the spinal cord and is essential to relay sensory information from the extremities to the brain and spinal cord. Unfortunately, we lack knowledge of how the DRG sensory axons navigate to the DREZ, cross into the spinal cord and then connect with central circuits. Further, we still do not understand how glial and neuronal populations are constructed in the DRG. Using zebrafish time-lapse imaging, we have the unique ability to watch these processes occur and then test potential molecular pathways that may be essential. With this approach we have begun to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that pattern this important information relay area of the nervous system.
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Regeneration
Following a traumatic injury, nerves responsible for motor function and sensory sensation can be severed resulting in a paralyzed state. The recovery of both motor and sensory function requires that the nerves within these systems regenerate. However, these nerves can have different capacities to regenerate which can result in partial recovery of motor function but not sensory sensation. We are investigating these differences with the goal of understanding how regeneration can be improved in the clinic.
MicrogliaMicroglia are the resident immune cell of the central nervous system. Unique from other resident cells in the CNS, microglia originate from outside the CNS, colonize the brain and then expand. We know that these cells are critical for brain development and function. We are investigating how these cells dynamically interact with other cells when they cross the CNS boundaries in development and disease. Although traditionally described as resident in the CNS, our work demonstrates they can leave the CNS after injury to border regions of the CNS.
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Glial Organization
During the development of the nervous system, glial and neuronal cell populations coordinate their maturation to generate functional circuits that are essential for everyday life. These cell populations are organized into precise niches/domains. Despite the propensity of the disruption of these domains in neuropathologies, we lack an understanding of how these domains are established, their role in circuit development and function and their potential manifestation in neurological disorders. We are investigating glial organization with the goal of gaining insight into these specific questions. The lab has ongoing projects that study multiple glial cells in both the CNS and PNS. Our projects include investigation of astroglia, Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes, satellite glia and the recently described cardiac nexus glia.
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Advanced microscopy
We utilize in vivo imaging techniques to dissect developmental and regenerative processes. In collaboration with Engineers here at Notre Dame, we are continuously applying new imaging techniques to improve both the spatial and temporal resolutions of our imaging. With these new imaging techniques we can dissect questions that were previously unapproachable. Our new DeSOS technique can be downloaded here .
Advocating for Scientists
We are passionate about advocating for all scientists. Since 2018, any scientist who joined the lab is required to read “The Autobiography of a Transgender Scientist” by Ben Barres. Ben Barres was a pioneer in the field, not only for the science he discovered but for his tireless push for active advocacy. The lab members have benefited immensely from this exercise as they learn the importance of active advocacy and inclusive excellence. Discussions of inclusive excellence are continually ongoing. In 2019, we designed an “Advocate in Stem” logo that is prominently displayed outside the lab to indicate the Smith lab’s desire to advocate for all scientists. We publicly display this on the cover slide of all presentations, as well as in the classroom. We hope other scientists who are passionate about advocating for all scientists, and inclusive excellence will display the logo as we have. No permission is needed to display the "Advocate in Stem" logo.
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