Dimitar B. Nikolov, Ph.D.

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.