Basson:Kieran Jones

Sprouty genes in adult stem cells
A decline in the function of neural stem cells and muscle stem cells (satellite cells) has been shown to occur with aging, yet the inherent capability of these cells to proliferate, form differentiated cells, and replenish the stem cell pool has been shown to remain steady throughout life. This suggests that extrinsic factors in the stem cell niche play a very important role in maintaining the function of the stem cells, and that there are changes in the stem cell environment with aging that reduce the niches capability to support the stem cells. I aim to define the gene expression of different growth factors and Sproutys (growth factor antagonists) in the young and aged mouse brain and muscle to determine the exact changes that occur that bring about a deteriorated function. In addition to this, I aim to discover the role of specific Sprouty genes in neural and muscular stem cell niches in young and ageing mice.