My laboratory studies neuronal structure and development from a cell biological perspective. We are particularly interested in neuronal polarity–the structural and functional differences between axons and dendrites–and the mechanisms that underlie polarized targeting of membrane proteins. Using viral transfection methods, we have identified some of the signals that target integral membrane proteins to axons and dendrites and are using this approach to study targeting at early stages in the development of polarity. We also have developed methods for labeling axonal and dendritic proteins with GFP in order to visualize their transport in living neurons.

Other work concerns the cellular events that underlie determination of the axon and techniques to enhance dendritic growth and branching using appropriate cytokine growth factors.

Finally, in association with the Center for Nanobiotechnology at Cornell University, we are investigating nanofabrication technology as a means for precisely controlling the spatial interactions between neurons and soluble and substrate-attached signaling molecules in their immediate environment. From a technical standpoint, we use cultures of rat hippacampal neurons for our work and place heavy emphasis on microscopy and live cell imaging.

Soderling, S.H., Guire, E.S., Kaech, S., White, J., Zhang, F., Schutz, K., Langeberg, L.K., Banker, G., Raber, J., and Scott, J.D. (2007) A WAVE-1 and WRP signaling complex regulates spine density, synaptic plasticity and memory. J. Neurosci. Jan 10;27(2):355-65. Abstract

Oliva, A.A. Jr., Atkins, C. M., Copenagle, L., and Banker, G.A. (2006) Activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase is required for axon formation. J. Neurosci. 2006 Sep 13;26(37):9462-70. Abstract

Das SS, Banker GA. (2006) The role of protein interaction motifs in regulating the polarity and clustering of the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR1a. J Neurosci. 2006 Aug 2;26(31):8115-25. Abstract

Withers GS, James CD, Kingman CE, Craighead HG, Banker GA. (2006) Effects of substrate geometry on growth cone behavior and axon branching. J Neurobiol. 2006 Sep;66(11):1183-94. Abstract

Jacobson C, Schnapp B, Banker GA. A change in the selective translocation of the Kinesin-1 motor domain marks the initial specification of the axon. Neuron. 2006 Mar 16;49(6):797-804. Abstract

Silverman, M. A, Peck., R, Glover, G., He, C. , Carlin, C. , and Banker, G. (2005) Motifs that mediate dendritic targeting in hippocampal neurons: a comparison with basolateral targeting signals Mol Cell Neurosci. 2005 Jun;29(2):173-180. Abstract

Wayman, G., Kaech, S., Grant, W., Davare, M., Impey, S., Tokumitsu, H., Nozaki, N., Banker, G., and Soderling, T. (2004) Regulation of axonal extension and growth cone motility by Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase I. J. Neurosci. 14;24(15):3786-94. Abstract

Oliva, A.A.Jr., James, C.D., Kingman. C.E., Craighead, H.C., and Banker, G.A. (2003) Patterning axonal guidance molecules using a novel strategy for microcontact printing. Neurochem. Res. 28:1639-48. Abstract

Sampo, B., Kaech, S., Kunz, S., and Banker, G. (2003) Two Distinct Mechanisms Target Membrane Proteins to the Axonal Surface. Neuron 37:611-624. Abstract

Cheng, C., Glover, G., Banker, G. , and Amara, S. (2002) A novel sorting motif in the glutamate transporter Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter 3 directs its targeting in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells and hippocampal neurons. J. Neurosci. 22:10643-52. Abstract

Silverman, M.A., Kaech, S., Jareb, M., Burack, M.A., Vogt, L., Sonderegger, P., and Banker, G. (2001) Sorting and directed transport of membrane proteins during the development of hippocampal neurons in culture. Proceedings of National Academy of Science, U.S.A. 98, 7051-7. Abstract

Esch, T., Lemmon, V., and Banker, G. (2000) Differential effects of NgCAM and N cadherin on the development of axons and dendrites by cultured hippocampal neurons. J. Neurocytol. 29:215-223. Abstract

Burack, M.A., Silverman, M.S. and Banker, G. (2000) The role of selective transport in neuronal protein sorting. Neuron 26, 465-472. Abstract

Grewal, S.S., Horgan, A.M., York, R.D., Withers, G.S., Banker, G.A., Stork, P.J. (2000) Neuronal calcium activates a rap1 and B-Raf signaling pathway via the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase. J Biol Chem 275:3722-3728. Abstract

Withers, G.S., Higgins, D., Charette, M., and Banker, G. (2000) Bone morphogenetic protein-7 increases dendritic growth and receptivity to innervation in cultured hippocampal neurons. Europ. J. Neurosci. 12:106-116. Abstract

James, C.D., Davis, R.C., Meyer, M., Perez, A., Turner, S., Withers, G., Kam, L. Banker, G., Craighead, H.G., Isaacson, M., Turner, J.N., and Shain, W. (2000) Aligned microcontact printing of micrometer scale poly-lysine structures for controlled growth of cultured neurons on planar microelectrode arrays. IEEE Transactions in Biomedical Engineering 47,17-21. Abstract