Zhigang He, Ph.D., B.M.
Associate Professor of Neurology
Kirby Neurobiology Center
Children's Hospital
Center for Life Science Building
3 Blackfan Circle
Boston, MA 02115
Telephone: 617 919-2353
Fax: 617- 730-0243
Email: zhigang.he@childrens.harvard.
We are interested in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in axon degeneration and regeneration.
Axon Regeneration
Failure of successful axon regeneration in the CNS is attributed not only to the intrinsic regenerative incompetence of mature neurons, but also to the environment encountered by injured axons. We are interested in exploring the mechanisms for both environmental inhibitory influences and intrinsic regenerative capacity. Previous studies indicate that the inhibitory activity is principally associated with components of CNS myelin and molecules in the glial scar at the lesion site. Recent studies from our laboratory and others suggested that three myelin proteins, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), Nogo-A and oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein (OMgp), collectively account for the majority of the inhibitory activity in CNS myelin. The inhibitory activity of MAG, OMgp and the extracellular domain of Nogo-A might be mediated by a receptor complex with a Nogo receptor and at least two co-receptors, p75/TROY and Lingo-1. Our current studies are aimed to define signaling pathways that transduce these inhibitory signals to cytoskeleton. In addition, we are also actively studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the intrinsic regenerative capacity of mature neurons. All of these studies are carried out in a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches.
Axon Degeneration
Axon degeneration occurs frequently in physiological neuronal remodeling and pathological neurodegeneration. We have been using Wallerian degeneration as a model to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms of axon degeneration. It is hoped that this line of study will provide insights into the mechanisms of brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
For a complete listing of Zhigang He's publications on PubMed, click here.