Evaluation of cell-specific promoters to target different motor-neuron subtypes

Spinal cord injuries are very prevalent in our current society, and are highly debilitatating to the patient involved. As of yet, there are no definitive treatments for this condition due to the difficulty of regenerating cells in the nervous system, called neurons. In this project, we will examine specific promoters which target gene expression in certain neuronal subtypes, particularly gamma motor neurons (the neurons involved in muscle contraction). These experiments will involve construction of appropriate plasmids (small pieces of transferable DNA), transfection of the constructed plasmid into a suitable cell line, and analysis of expression of a gene of interest.