The Graduate Program in Neuroscience

Faculty Profile
Cheryl F. Dreyfus
Professor Director of the Undergraduate Summer Research Program Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology BS 1967 University of Vermont PhD 1976 Cornell University Postdoctoral Training 1976 - 1978 Einstein Medical School and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology RWJ-SPH 683 Hoes Lane Piscataway, NJ 08854-5635 (732) 235-5382 FAX: (732) 235-4990 dreyfus@umdnj.edu
Research Interests		Research Techniques
I explore the roles of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in brain development and function throughout life and in models of degeneration.		Brain cell culture Brain and spinal cord lesion studies in whole animals In situ hybridization techniques Nuclease protection assays Immunocytochemical analyses\ Western Blot analyses Catalytic assays
Research Summary
Traditionally, neurons are considered to be the most important cells of central nervous system. The function and regulation of these cells are widely investigated. In contrast, the glial cells of the central nervous system, the astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, are largely unappreciated. However, recent studies are prompting a re evaluation of this contention. In my lab, for example, we have found that astrocytes and oligodendrocytes express critical factors that support neuron survival and physiology. The ability of these glia to carry out important functions is regulated by neuronal, hormonal and even glial signals. Critical cross-talk between glial and neuronal cells of particular brain regions may result in the normal functioning of both cell partners. We suggest that abnormalities in this cross-talk results in degenerative disease. Our studies are designed to explore this concept.

Key References
For complete list: PubMed O'Malley, E.K., Sieber. B-A., Morrison, R.S., Black, I.B. and Dreyfus, C.F. (1994) Nigral type I astrocytes release a soluble factor through mechanisms distinct from basic fibroblast growth factor. Brain Res. 647:83-90. Dreyfus, C. F. (1998) Neurotransmitters and neurotrophins collaborate to influence brain development. Perspectives Develop. Neurobiol. 5:389-399. Dreyfus, C.F., Dai, X., Lercher, L.D., Racey, B.R., Friedman, W.J., and Black, I.B. (1999) Expression of neurotrophins in the adult spinal cord in vivo. J. Neurosci. Res. 56:1-7. Dai, X., Qu, P.M., and Dreyfus, C.F. (2001) Neuronal signals regulate neurotrophin expression in oligodendrocytes of the basal forebrain. Glia 34:234-239. Elliot, R., Black, I.B., and Dreyfus, C.F. (2001) Differential regulation of p75 and trkB mRNA expression following depolarizing stimuli or BDNF treatment in basal forebrain neuron cultures. J. Neurosci. Res. 66:83-88.