脳神経科学を社会へ還流する教育研究拠点　東北大脳科学グローバルCOE

演者 古田泰秀　博士　
(University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Houston, Texas, USA)

演題 Looking through the Eye: Growth Factor Signaling in Organogenesis　

ABSTRACT
Research in our laboratory is aimed at elucidating the role of secreted signaling molecules and their signaling pathways during embryonic organ formation. One area of study is focused on understanding the process of visual system development in vertebrates. Our recent studies using transgenic and gene targeting approaches have demonstrated essential roles of bone morphogenetic proteins (Bmps), members of the TGFbsuperfamily of secreted signaling molecules, in multiple distinct aspects of eye development; ranging from lens induction/differentiation, retinal patterning/growth/ differentiation, and neuronal connection to the brain. The seminar will summarize recent progress of these studies, and also will touch upon current studies aiming at understanding the potential downstream genetic pathways of Bmp signaling that regulate multiple distinct visual functions.