Carlos Ibáñez, Ph.D.

Neuronal Growth Factors: A Window into Nervous System Development and Function

Research Focus

Our research utilizes molecular and functional studies of growth factors and their receptors as a framework from which to approach a wider range of problems, including unresolved issues from molecular biology, cell signaling, neural development and metabolic control.

Neurotrophic factors are a window into nervous system development and function. The study of their signaling mechanisms and physiological functions allows us to obtain insights into fundamental issues of neural development and adult nervous system function. Our current research focuses on studies of three distinct families of ligands: the neurotrophins, the GDNF ligand family, and the TGF-beta superfamily, and their respective receptor systems.

Some of our current projects are : (1) Study of p75 neurotrophin receptor signaling and function using p75 signaling mutants in cellular systems and knock-in mice; (2) Study of signaling and functions of GDNF ligands and receptors in olfactory system development and plasticity, cortical GABAergic interneuron development, and hippocampal synaptogenesis; (3) Study of GDNF ligands and receptors in zebrafish forebrain development; (4) Study of structure-function relationships, downstream signaling and axonal retrograde transport of NCAM and RET receptor complexes; (5) Study of Activin and GDF-3 signaling through ALK7 and ALK4 receptors in metabolic control; (6) Study of ALK7 functions in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis; (7) Study of mechanisms controlling neural stem cell proliferation, renewal and differentiation.

Selected Publications

• Link to the lab website