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Research Interests
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Our main purpose is to reveal the molecular mechanisms of
FGF9-signalling pathway in Müller cells. Current studies are focused on the
identification of novel FGFR-cytoplasmic ligands and phosphorylation analysis
of main receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathway proteins.
We are focused on the effects of Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) protein
family, especially FGF9, on the development and phsyiopathology of
mammalian retina.
Roles of aFGF (FGF1) and bFGF (FGF2), mostly known members of FGF
family, in development of retina are well studied. Our experimental results
about the expression levels of FGF9 through postnatal development of
rat retina indicates that this factor may be involved in retinal specific
cell birth, cell migration and differentiation. Therefore, we believe
that FGF9 may have different role(s) other than aFGF and bFGF have.
Histochemical analyses have shown that FGF9 is mainly found in
photoreceptor cells. Moreover, retinal Müller glial cells express high-affinity
FGF-receptors (FGFRs). Because these Müller cells do not express FGF9,
a paracrine-type of signal transduction should be present concerning
FGF9.
Cell Culturing, Yeast Two Hybridization, RNA Isolation, RT-PCR, Western Blotting, Southern Blotting, Northern Blotting, Cloning, RACE, In situ Hybridization, Tissue Extraction, Immunohistochemistry, Mutagenesis, In gel kinase assay, In vitro Transcription, In Vitro Translation, Proliferation assays, Tunnel assay are some molecular biology and biochemistry techniques we frequently use in our research.
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