Mark A. Bothwell

mab@u.washington.edu
Professor, Department of Physiology & Biophysics; Director, Neurobiology & Behavior

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The differentiative processes of embryonic development are coordinated by cell-to-cell communication. Cell membrane-anchored signaling molecules convey information between cells in direct contact, while diffusible polypeptide growth factors convey information between cells at a distance. Activation of cell membrane receptors by such signaling molecules regulates cellular functions as diverse as directed cell migration, transcription of genes responsible for cellular differentiation, and programmed cell death.

My laboratory uses the tools of molecular biology to examine both the biological functions and the cellular mechanisms of action of such signaling molecules. A major focus of our research is the family of growth factors known as neurotrophins, which have functions ranging from regulation of neuron survival and axon growth during embryonic development to regulation of synaptic function during the processes of learning and memory.

Other active areas of investigation in my laboratory include characterization of genes regulating the development and regeneration of the sensory cells of the inner ear, and investigation of the function of the receptor ephA4 and its ligand in regulating the compartmentation of the cerebellum.