NIH R01 · 2025
Non-Apoptotic Functions of Caspase-3 in Brainstem Development
ABSTRACT Auditory function relies on highly specialized and precise neuronal connectivity. A significant challenge for the field of auditory neuroscience is to understand how these neural circuits form during development. Our previous work suggests an important function for caspase-3, a protease best known for its role in apoptosis. Cleaved (active) caspase-3 is present in the developing auditory brainstem prior to the period of programmed cell death. During embryonic development, it is first seen in auditory nerve axons, then in the synaptic target of these axons in nucleus magnocellularis (NM), then in the synaptic target of NM, in nucleus laminaris (NL) dendrites. Caspase-3 inhibition…
From the public funding record at NIH RePORTER. Describes the funded project, not the reviews below.