Research Interests

Gene Profiling of Nervous Regeneration Processes

Research Area

Our laboratory uses the sea cucumber Holothuria glaberrima, as a model system to study different aspects of organogenesis and regeneration as well as comparative neuronal anatomy and evolution. Sea cucumbers, which comprise the group Holothurians, are coelomate organisms of the phylum Echinodermata. They are closely related to chordates but, in contrast to chordates, exhibit an impressive ability to regenerate complex structures. In Holothurians the regenerative process is evidenced following evisceration in which all major viscera are discarded. In H. glaberrima, regeneration of the intestine is completed in a 4-week period. Our overall goal is to use this model system to understand the process of organogenesis and how the multiplicity of cell types are generated and assembled into a functional organ.

Contact

Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras C

Address:
Department of Biology
Julio García Díaz Building, JGD 220
University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus
San Juan, PR
00931, USA

Web Page: https://devneurolab220.wixsite.com/devneuro

General/Lab Fax: (787) 764-0000 ext. 88152