Dr. Murray Blackmore W2W 2017 Miami
Research in the Blackmore Lab
Neurons depend on long axons to communicate with target cells. Neurons in the brain and spinal cord have almost no ability to regenerate axons that are disrupted by injury or disease, resulting in a devastating and permanent loss of function. On the other hand, many other types of neurons, including peripheral neurons, neurons in lower vertebrates, and embryonic neurons, can regenerate their axons robustly. What mechanisms allow regeneration in some types of neurons but prevent it in others? The goals of my research program are to 1) identify genes that explain differences in regenerative ability between different types of neurons and 2) manipulate gene expression in neurons to promote regenerative ability. To do so we compare gene expression in regenerating versus non-regenerating neurons, and then test the activity of differentially expressed genes in culture assays of axon outgrowth. Then, using viral-mediated gene delivery in a rodent model of spinal cord injury, we test the strongest candidate genes for the ability to promote axon growth in living animals. Ultimately we aim to develop gene therapies to promote the regrowth of axons in the injured spinal cord and brain.
SPINAL CORD INJURY RESEARCH AND SCIENCE 
My son is a C5-C7. We appreciate and follow your research. We live in Virginia and want to know how we can help
Thank you Carolyn! Please contact the Executive Director, Matthew Rodreick. He’s at matthewrodreick@unite2fightparalysis.org so he can find out your interest.
I’m a t3t4 spinal cord injured patient. I’m hangin on every new development can can offer us some ray of hope that can liberate us from this prison called paralysis