*** This lab is no longer in existence and Dr. Bernhardt is no longer involved in zebrafish research ***

Our group is interested in the molecular bases of axonal outgrowth during development and regeneration. The focus is on the role of cell adhesion/cell recognition molecules. Our studies combine both molecular and anatomical approaches.

Ongoing projects address the role of extracellular matrix components, of two zebrafish L1 homologs, and of a zebrafish semaphorin (sema z1b) in axon guidance during embryonic development. We are also investigating the roles of these molecules during successful regeneration of the adult retinotectal projection. Using a spinal lesion model, we examine the hypothesis that some of these molecules may contribute to differences in the regenerative competence of different classes of neurons in the adult CNS.