I am currently a Technician/Research assistant with the Roskams lab, having completed graduate studies here in December 2008 in the program of Neuroscience. I graduated from UBC with my BSc in November of 2005, and joined the lab shortly thereafter.

I am interested in investigating the mechanisms that regulate the ability of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) to support neuronal regeneration. The success of continuous neurogenesis in the olfactory system is thought to be due, at least in part, to it’s unique glia – olfactory ensheathing cells. OECs bear characteristics of both peripheral and central glia, and serve to ensheath, guide and promote growth of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) throughout both development and adult life. I am currently investigating shifts in OEC protein expression, particularly Brain lipid-binding protein (BLBP; FABP-7; B-FABP) a protein highly expressed in developing radial glia and other specialized glial subtypes that persist in the adult. I am interested in looking at the regulation of BLBP expression by a novel Notch ligand DNER (Delta/Notch like EGF-related receptor). DNER is expressed by neighboring axons, and may be one of many ligands responsible for maintaining OEC plasticity and relatively heightened ability to modify their environment and promote neuronal regeneration, outgrowth and survival.

Contact Kathryn at: kwesten@zoology.ubc.ca