My research interest in the control of myelination and repair in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS is myelinated by Schwann cells which ensheathe and myelinate the large caliber axons and allow rapid (saltatory) conduction of nerve impulses. I have studied the transcription factor Krox-20 and how this protein co-ordinates the proliferation, survival and myelination of Schwann cells. My lab also researches what underlies the remarkable ability of Schwann cells to regenerate and repair injury in the peripheral nervous system and how proteins such as c-Jun, Sox-2 and the Merlin tumour suppressor facilitate this repair and cell plasticity.
