Research
Generation and repair of neural circuits
Appointments
- Assistant Professor, Brain Research Institute
- Member, Neuroscience GPB Home Area
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Neurobiology
Appointments
Dr. Butler is focused on determining how neurons translate morphogens, such as the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) family of growth factors, over time to mediate strikingly different processes in the generation of neural circuits. During the course of these studies, she identified a critical mechanism by which the rate of axon outgrowth is controlled during development.
The Butler laboratory is now examining how this process can be harnessed to accelerate axon growth in a regenerative context to stimulate the repair of neural circuits. The successful implementation of this technology could result in significantly improved recovery times for patients with damaged nervous systems.