Jayshree Samanta

Research Description:

Our lab focuses on how neural stem cells generate myelin in the brain during development as well as during recovery from a demyelinating insult or remyelination. The myelin sheath is a specialized membrane synthesized by oligodendrocytes that wraps around the nerves in the brain. Understanding the origin of myelinating cells and the signals which trigger their activation, migration and differentiation has major therapeutic implications for myelin disorders. We are examining these processes in several mouse models of myelin diseases including Multiple Sclerosis and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease. In addition, we also study the abnormal regulation of neural stem cells and glial development in mouse models of Down Syndrome.

Organ System/Disease Focus:
Neural Stem Cells, Myelin DisordersAligned

Research Focus:
Basic stem cell science, Glial development, Remyelination