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SUMMARY:Stem Cells and Repairing the Brain - Professor Robin Franklin
DTSTART:20090511T184500Z
DTEND:20090511T200000Z
UID:TALK18355@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:David Gordon
DESCRIPTION:Remyelination\, the process by which new myelin sheaths are re
 stored to demyelinated axons\, represents one of the most compelling examp
 les of adult stem cells contributing to regeneration of the injured centra
 l nervous system (CNS). This process can occur with remarkable efficiency 
 in both clinical disease\, such as multiple sclerosis\, and in experimenta
 l models\, revealing an impressive ability of the adult CNS to repair itse
 lf. However\, the inconsistency of remyelination in multiple sclerosis\, a
 nd the loss of axonal integrity that results from its failure\, makes enha
 ncement of remyelination an important therapeutic objective. Identifying p
 otential targets will depend on a detailed understanding of the cellular a
 nd molecular mechanisms of remyelination. This talk will review 1) the nat
 ure of the cell or cells that respond to demyelination and generate new ol
 igodendrocytes\, identifying current areas of uncertainty and addressing t
 he role of adult CNS stem and progenitor cells\, 2) intrinsic factors regu
 lating precursor differentiation and 3) how an environment favourable to r
 emyelination is generated\, and will introduce the concept of a matrix of 
 signalling events critical for the successful completion of remyelination.
 \n\nBio: Robin Franklin obtained his undergraduate degrees in Physiology a
 nd Veterinary Medicine and his PhD in Neuroscience. He has spent his entir
 e career at the University of Cambridge\, where he is currently Professor 
 of Neuroscience. He has worked predominantly on the biology of myelin repa
 ir (remyelination) and investigating strategies by which this important re
 generative process may be enhanced therapeutically\, and has published ove
 r 185 papers and reviews on this topic.\n\n
LOCATION:Nihon Room\, Pembroke College
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