Kevin Park, Ph.D.

Axon Regeneration, Circuit Reassembly and Neuroprotection

My lab is interested in understanding the mechanisms that account for the failure of axon regeneration and the degeneration of neurons after injury and in diseases. Using in vivo animal models of nerve injury, my lab focuses on a number of important questions relevant to neural repair.

1. What are the cellular and molecular mechanisms which regulate axon regeneration and neuronal survival after central nervous system (CNS) injury?
2. Can regenerating axons form appropriate connections, re-establish neural circuits, and promote functional recovery in the CNS?
3. Can we use combinatorial strategies to further improve axon regeneration and functional recovery?

Successful functional recovery after CNS injury requires multiple steps. First, axotomized neurons must remain healthy and viable in order to re-grow axons. Correct path-finding of regenerating axons into the distal target regions is important for proper functional outcomes. Regenerating axons require remyelination in order to convey efficient electrical signals. Sustained long distance axon regeneration seen after manipulation of distinct genes is providing opportunities to explore these questions and to ultimately probe for potential therapeutic interventions against paralyzing and neurodegenerative conditions.