METHODS OF CONTROLLING AXON OR DENDRITE DEVELOPMENT OF NEURONAL CELLS

摘要

One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of controlling axon or dendrite development in a neuronal cell population. This method involves providing a neuronal cell population and contacting the neuronal cell population with a modulator of R-type Ca²⁺ channel expression or activity in controlling the neuronal cell population to induce either axon or dendrite development. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating neuronal injury in a subject. This method involves selecting a subject with neuronal injury mediated by R-type Ca²⁺ channel expression or activity and administering to the selected subject an inhibitor of R-type Ca²⁺ channel expression or activity to induce neuronal axon development under conditions effective to treat the neuronal injury in the subject. Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of screening for agents that modulate R-type Ca²⁺ channel expression or activity.