Michael K. Gross
Assistant Professor
541-737-2264
Links
Education
Ph.D. 1988, Oregon State University
Research
Our research group is interested in uncovering the molecular networks that control spinal cord development at the systems level. We focus on the development of the dorsal horn of the mouse spinal cord. The dorsal horn consists of a variety of association and relay interneurons that receive, process, and transmit all incoming touch and pain information to a variety of locations in the brain. By studying the ontogeny of this structure we hope to provide a basic scientific underpinning for the development of novel spinal cord regeneration and pain therapies.
Discrete combinations of developmental transcription factors (DTFs) are expressed selectively in distinct neuronal populations as they are born and as they mature. We are interested in determining how particular DTF combinations control the transitions from specified precursor to newborn neuron to mature neuron. Expression and knock-out analyses allow us to place many of the known DTFs into genetic hierarchies. We are interested in converting such genetic hierarchies of transcription factors to networks of direct molecular interactions. To do this effectively, we need to identify all of the discrete neuronal populations that are generated during development of the dorsal horn, establish comprehensive lists of transcription factors expressed in each population, and identify the population-specific enhancer elements that are utilized by DTFs to effect the developmental transitions. We will reach these long range goals by using mouse molecular genetics to indelibly label dorsal horn populations with fluorescent tags (see picture), microarray analyses to determine the RNA expression profiles in these populations, and high-throughput cis-element screens with specific combinations of factors to isolate population-specific enhancer elements
Discrete combinations of developmental transcription factors (DTFs) are expressed selectively in distinct neuronal populations as they are born and as they mature. We are interested in determining how particular DTF combinations control the transitions from specified precursor to newborn neuron to mature neuron. Expression and knock-out analyses allow us to place many of the known DTFs into genetic hierarchies. We are interested in converting such genetic hierarchies of transcription factors to networks of direct molecular interactions. To do this effectively, we need to identify all of the discrete neuronal populations that are generated during development of the dorsal horn, establish comprehensive lists of transcription factors expressed in each population, and identify the population-specific enhancer elements that are utilized by DTFs to effect the developmental transitions. We will reach these long range goals by using mouse molecular genetics to indelibly label dorsal horn populations with fluorescent tags (see picture), microarray analyses to determine the RNA expression profiles in these populations, and high-throughput cis-element screens with specific combinations of factors to isolate population-specific enhancer elements