Research
My research contributes to a better understanding of the factors governing generation of neurons and axonal pathfinding in the CNS during development and regeneration. I use the zebrafish model to identify fundamental mechanisms in vertebrates with clear translational implications for CNS injury and neurodegenerative diseases.
The Becker group is pursuing 3 main lines of research.
01. Regenerative Neurogenesis
We are investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying successful regeneration of the zebrafish spinal cord, focussing on the activation of spinal-intrinsic progenitor cells by the lesion and lesion induced neurogenesis (Becker and Becker (2015) Neuronal Regeneration from Ependymo-radial Glial Cells: Cook, Little Pot, Cook! Developmental Cell 32(4):516-27), as well as axonal regeneration (Becker and Becker (2014) Axonal Regeneration in Zebrafish. Current Opinion in Neurobiology 27C:186-191).
In a zebrafish embryo, motor neurons and their processes can be seen growing into the muscle.
02. Maintaining and repairing motor neurons in SMA and ALS
We are using automated chemical compound screen in zebrafish models of motor neurone diseases, mainly spinal muscular atrophy, to identify targets for therapy. My group a founding member of the SMA UK Research Consortium, funded by the SMA Trust with £1.3m.
03. Repair and plasticity of the spinal locomotor network
We are investigating the molecular factors controlling the development of the spinal locomotor network to identify the fundamental relationship between network and function.
In a cross section of the adult spinal cord, 2 weeks after an injury, new neurons (blue/red), can be seen to emerge from stem cells (green).
How to Repair the Spinal Cord? Introducing Catherina Becker © TU Dresden