Dimitar B. Nikolov, Ph.D.

Sections

Dimitar B. Nikolov, Ph.D.
Title
Professor and Member
Department
Structural Biology Program
Institution
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Address
1275 York Avenue
Box 297
City, State, ZIP
New York, NY 10065
Phone
(212) 639-6784
Email
[email protected]
Website
http://www.ski.edu/nikolov
Research field
Structural Biology
Award year
1999

Research

The research in our laboratory is aimed at structural characterization of the molecular mechanisms of cell-cell interactions and signal transduction in the nervous system. We are particularly interested in understanding the processes of generating correct neuronal connectivity in the developing mammalian CNS. We use x-ray crystallography combined with other biophysical and biochemical techniques to study axon guidance molecules and their interactions with neuronal cell-surface receptors. Axon guidance molecules are molecules outside the growth cone that assist in selection of the correct pathway and target by changing growth direction. Axon guidance cue readout and interpretation present an attractive system for studying both molecular recognition and signal transduction. Our efforts have been focused on the genetically well-characterized ligand/receptor systems, including ephrins/Eph receptor tyrosine kinases, netrins/DCC (UNC-5), and semaphorins/neuropilins.

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