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Peter D. LeRoux, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Associate Professor, Dept of Neurosurgery
502 B Stemmler Hall
(215) 829-7072 LAB (215) 8998-0185 FAX: (215) 829-6645
email: lerouxp@uphs.upenn.edu
Click here for selected publications since Dr. LeRoux's arrival at Penn
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Dendrites, neurodevelopment, bone morphogenetic proteins, glutamate excitotoxicity,
neural regeneration. RESEARCH TECHNIQUES
Dissociated and organotypic culture, immunohistochemistry, cell biology, protein biochemistry.RESEARCH SUMMARY
A fundamental event in neuronal differentiation and subsequent function of the nervous system is the development of axons and dendrites. My laboratory investigates how neurons grow and maintain these two distinct types of processes. In addition we are investigating how these processes may recover or regenerate after an injury. The studies are performed in dissociated cultures of the mammalian cerebral cortex and using an organotypic culture system that allows us to investigate axonal regeneration in the mature nervous system and the effects of deafferentation on dendritic morphology. Specific areas of investigation include the influence of different types of astrocytes or stem cells, the role of excitatory amino acids, the effects of trophic factors such as the BMPs, the Rho family of GTPases, signal transduction pathways particularly Smad proteins, and proteins such as Notch or noggin that regulate cell fate decisions during early development. In addition to evaluating these various cellular and molecular mechanisms during normal development, they are also evaluated using in vitro models of head injury and ischemia. Recently we have begun translational research to examine BMP release in models of - and in patients with head injury.
