# PERIPHERAL NERVE REHABILITATION--THE ROLE OF NEU GENE

> **NIH NIH K11** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 1994 · $66,936

## Abstract

A major challenge encountered in the rehabilitation of patients with
demyelinating disorders is posed by inefficient remyelination.  The
ability to stimulate Schwann cells (SC) and to augment remyelination
would have a great impact the degree of functional recovery in these
conditions.  The neu gene encodes a tyrosine kinase growth factor
receptor, termed p185.  Previous studies suggested that p185 plays an
important role in SC proliferation and differentiation.  Several putative
ligands for p185 have been described; two have been molecularly cloned,
neu differentiation factor (NDF) and Heregulin.  NDF is very similar to
or identical to glial growth factor, among the most potent SC mitogens.

The training program will provide the candidate with a comprehensive
background in neurobiology and immunology through graduate-level
coursework.  The candidate also will develop expertise in the medical
management and neurorehabilitation of patients with central and
peripheral demyelinating diseases.  The scientific goals are to
characterize the expression of p185 ligands in nervous system and to
define the biologic function of neu in SC.  In Phase I, the developmental
expression pattern and cellular specificity of p185 ligands in rat
nervous system will be determined.  Expression in a several pathological
conditions will be characterized, including Wallerian degeneration
following experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, peripheral
demyelination caused by experimental allergic neuritis, and selected
human peripheral nerve conditions associated with SC proliferation.  In
Phase II, the function of p185 in SC will examined using cultured rat SC,
including effects on cell proliferation, morphology, and myelin gene
expression.  The intermolecular interactions of p185 in the SC membrane
will be characterized.

These studies will delineate the expression and source of p185 ligands
in the nervous systems, begin to define the mechanisms regulating their
expression, and clarify their function in SC.  These studies should
provide valuable insights into potential approaches to enhancing
remyelination and thus improving the rehabilitation potential of
demyelinating diseases.  This program should provide the candidate with
a unique combination of expertise in the neurologic, rehabilitative, and
scientific aspects of demyelinating diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2194597
- **Project number:** 1K11HD001049-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GM1XX56LEP58
- **Principal Investigator:** CRISTIAN S CONSTANTINESCU
- **Activity code:** K11 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $66,936
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 1994-01-01 → 1998-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2194597

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2194597, PERIPHERAL NERVE REHABILITATION--THE ROLE OF NEU GENE (1K11HD001049-01). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2194597. Licensed CC0.

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