The research goal of Dr. Shu-Chan Hsu's lab is to define the biochemical events underlying neurite outgrowth. The lab has identified two protein complexes, the exocyst (sec6/8) complex and the sep2/4/6/7/8 family, both of which are required for promoting and regulating neurite outgrowth. Currently, the lab is using molecular biological, biochemical, immunochemical, electrophysiological and cell biological techniques to investigate the molecular mechanisms of these two complexes in regulating neurite development, axon/dendritic differentiation and synapse formation. In addition, the lab is using these two complexes as molecular handles to identify and isolate other protein players in the neurite outgrowth process. Elucidation of the molecular events underlying neurite outgrowth should provide important insights into the regulation of neuronal growth, differentiation and regeneration.
Part of The Investigator's Annexe program.