# GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

> **NIH NIH P01** · UNIV OF MED/DENT NJ-R W JOHNSON MED SCH · 1994 · $879,981

## Abstract

The central goal of this program project is to elucidate integrative
principles regulating brain development by defining sequential
ontogenetic processes.  We are pursuing the unifying concept that
seemingly distinct developmental processes, including neuronal mitosis,
aggregation, transmitter and receptor gene expression and trophic
interactions with the formation of synaptic circuits are causally
interrelated.  During the past grant period we have begun to delineate
the detailed causal mechanistic relationships among these processes.
Our studies are now defining critical interactions among these
phenomena.  We are finding that a number of molecules integrate
successive developmental processes through intercellular communication.

We will employ multidisciplinary molecular genetic, biochemical,
pharmacologic and morphologic approaches to study neuronal development
in vivo and in culture.  We plan to define a) regulation of peripheral
and brain neuron mitosis by epigenetic and genomic factors, studying VIP
(vasoactive intestinal peptide), second messenger kinase systems, and
the protein Id, a negative regulator of helix-loop-helix DNA binding
proteins; b) regulation of expression of the P75NGFR and P140trk product
of the proto-oncogene trk, both of which bind NGF, by constructing
fusion genes and examining expression in culture and in transgenic mice;
c) mechanisms governing synaptic molecular architecture; d) mechanisms
through which a fully-purified membrane factor regulates transmitter
phenotypic expression and mitosis and e) regulation of the formation of
brain circuits by individual members of the neurotrophin gene family.
Our overall objective is to define molecular mechanistic relations among
apparently diverse developmental processes.  This information may define
molecular loci where disease processes intervene, leading to abnormal
brain development, birth defects and mental retardation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2198821
- **Project number:** 5P01HD023315-07
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF MED/DENT NJ-R W JOHNSON MED SCH
- **Principal Investigator:** IRA B BLACK
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $879,981
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1987-07-01 → 1998-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2198821

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2198821, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM (5P01HD023315-07). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2198821. Licensed CC0.

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