The Graduate Program in Neuroscience

Faculty Profile
David P. Crockett, PhD
Assistant Professor Neuroscience and Cell Biology BA 1973, MA 1976, CUNY Ph D 1983,. CUNY Postdoctoral Training, CNRS, France, 1984; RWJMS 1985-1988
UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology Research Tower R307 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854 (732) 235-3404 FAX: (732) 235-4029 crockett@umdnj.edu Web Page
Research Interests		Research Techniques
Development and organization of somatosensory systems. Neurotrophins in the development of specific connectivity. Spinal cord injury, MS Stem cells.		Immunocyto/histochemistry PCR Mouse genetics Microscopy
Research Summary
The current focus of our research has centered on spinal cord injury and repair. We have been developing mouse models to understand the role of key molecules in mediating recovery of function following injury. By using genetically altered strains of mice, missing key genes that influence the cell cycle or response to trophic factors, we hope to provide targets for therapeutic intervention. As part of this work, we are developing and assessing improved analyses for the clinical assessment of spinally injured animals. A major focus of our studies has been on the loss of and possible replenishment of oligodendrocytes--the ensheathing cells of the central nervous system--following traumatic as well demyelinating injuries.

Key References
For complete list: PubMed Crockett, D.P., Burshteyn, M., Garcia, C., Muggironi, M., Casaccia-Bonnefil, P. (2005) Number of oligodendrocyte progenitors recruited to the lesioned spinal cord is modulated by the levels of the cell cycle regulatory protein p27Kip-1. Glia 49:301-308. Hu, Z., Cooper, M., Crockett, D.P., Zhou, R. (2004) Differentiation of the midbrain dopaminergic pathways during mouse development. J. Comp Neurol. 476:301-311. Hu, Z., Yue, X., Shi, G., Yue, Y., Crockett, D.P., Blair-Flynn, J., Reuhl, K., Tessarollo, L., Zhou, R. (2003) J Neurosci. 23:10963-10970. Yue, Y., Chen, Z.Y., Gale, N.W., Blair-Flynn, J.., Hu, T.J., Yue, X., Cooper, M., Crockett, D.P., Yancopoulos, G.D., Tessarollo, L., Zhou, R. (2002) Mistargeting hippocampal axons by expression of a truncated Eph receptor. PNAS 99:10777-10782. Stern, J. M., Yu, Y.-L., Crockett, D.P. (2002) Dorsolateral columns of the spinal cord are necessary for both suckling-induced neuroendocrine reflexes and the kyphotic nursing posture in lactating rats. Brain Res.. 947:110-121.