Research & Publications

Takako Makita, PhD, and her research team seek to understand the molecular mechanisms the development of the peripheral nervous system, necessary for postnatal development and function throughout life.  How the nervous system becomes correctly wired remains one of the major unexplained mysteries of biology. Dr. Makita's lab uses mouse genetics and physiological assessment to dissect the biological roles of several signaling pathways in peripheral neural development, coupled with molecular and biochemical approaches to understand the underlying mechanisms in each process.

Shown below are representative data from her findings using transgenic mice in the study of the enteric nervous system.