Nebraska Center for the Molecular Biology of Neurosensory Systems (COBRE)

Nebraska Center for the Molecular Biology of Neurosensory Systems:
A collaboration of research and educational institutions in Nebraska
for the study of neurosensory development and function.

The focus of the research in the Nebraska Center for the Molecular Biology of Neurosensory Systems is to investigate the development, function, and maintenance of neurosensory and peripheral nervous systems.  Neurosensory systems include the hearing, vision, touch, taste, and olfaction, and their pathways connecting to the central nervous system.  Deficits in these systems, particularly the first two, have significant impact on an individual’s quality of life by adversely affecting their ability to function physically, occupationally, and interpersonally. 

The resources provided by the Center enable researchers to determine the functions of specific genes and gene products, including gene expression based on transcription levels, localization of transcripts and products in appropriate tissues, effects of mutation or deletion of the genes on development or on the expression of other genes, and the interaction of genes with environmental factors known to disrupt neurosensory development.   The long-term goal of these integrated studies is to gain a better understanding of how neurosensory organs develop and are maintained, in order to design intervention strategies for prevention or therapeutic intervention in cases of neurosensory deprivation. 

…Under the guidance of an Executive Committee and an External Advisory Committee, and faculty mentors, the Center supports research projects, core facilities, and activities including a monthly journal club and a seminar series of well-known invited speakers.

A Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE)

This Center is supported by NIH Grant Number P20 RR18788
from the National Center for Research Resources.