Mei Xu

The ultimate goal of my research is to improve functional recovery from axon degeneration in neurodegenerative diseases and following the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries. We are currently studying the roles of localized mRNAs and their binding proteins in axon regeneration. We utilize multidisciplinary approaches, including primary neuronal culture, rodent microsurgery, viral vectors, fluorescently tagged proteins, molecular and biochemical methods. Understanding mechanisms underlying axon regeneration will help to develop therapeutic approaches for functional recovery.