Dr. Laskowski's main research interest is the development of the nervous system, specifically the understanding of cues used by developing neurons in selecting their appropriate targets. He examines the specificity of neuron development in two contexts: normal embryonic development in the mammalian neuromuscular junction and reinnervation of muscle after acute nerve injury. The techniques used combine morphology, electrophysiology and tissue culture. The trajectories of growing neurons are assessed using fluorescent and electron microscopy and a wide variety of histological techniques are used to define the patterns of innervation. Intracellular recordings with microelectrodes provide evidence of functional innervation. Such studies can be used to estimate the physiological development of synaptic connections in the nervous system. Dr. Laskowski's goal is to provide insight into mechanisms of nerve regeneration and its potential for repair. Moreover, an understanding of guidance mechanisms in embryonic development may provide better understanding of birth defects involving the nervous system.

Selected Publications

Potluri, S., Lampa, S., Norton, A.S., and Laskowski, M.B. (2006) Morphometric analysis of neuromuscular topography in the serratus anterior muscle. Muscle and Nerve 33:398-408.

Lampa,S.J.,  Potluri,S., Norton,A.S. and Laskowski, M.B. (2004). A morphological technique for exploring neuromuscular topography expressed in the mouse gluteus maximus muscle. J. Neursci. Meth. 138: 51-56.

Lampa, S., Potluri,S.,Norton, A.S., Fusco, W.F. and Laskowski, M.B. (2004) Ephrin A5 overexpression degrades topographic specificity in the mouse gluteus maximus muscle. Dev. Brain Res 153:271-274

Chadaram, S.R. and M.B. Laskowski (2003) Denervation and Age Modify Neuromuscular Positional Selectivity.  J.Neurobiol. 56:347-359.

Wang, H., S.R. Chadaram, A.S. Norton and M.B. Laskowski (2001) Development of Inhibition by Ephrin-A5 on Outgrowth of Embryonic Spinal Motor Neurites. J. Neurobiol. 47:233-243.

Feng, G., M.B. Laskowski, D.A. Feldman, H. Wang, R. Lewis, J. Frisen, J. Flanagan and J.R. Sanes (2000).  Roles for ephrins in positionally selective synaptogenesis between motor neurons and muscle fibers.  Neuron. 25:295-306.

Laskowski, M.B., H. Colman, C. Nelson and J.W. Lichtman (1998). Synaptic competition during the reformation of a neuromuscular map. J. Neuroscience 18:7328-35.

Wang, H.S., S. R. Chadaram, A.S. Norton, R. Lewis, J. Boyum, W. Trumble, J.R. Sanes and M.B. Laskowski (1998). Positionally selective growth of embryonic spinal cord neurites on muscle membranes. J. Neuroscience 19:4984-93.

Dobie, S.A., J.D. Carline and M.B. Laskowski (1997).  The influence of an early primary care preceptorship on medical students' beliefs, values and career choices.  Advances Health Science Education 2:35-37.

Grow, W. A., E. Kendall-Wassmuth, M. S. Grober, C. Ulibarri and M. B. Laskowski (1996). Muscle fiber type correlates with innervation topography in the rat serratus anterior muscle. Muscle and Nerve 19: 605-613.

Grow, W.A., E. Kendall-Wassmuth and M.B. Laskowski (1995).  Modified synaptic competition alters reinnervation specificity in the rat serratus anterior muscle.  Journal of Neurobiology 26:553-562.

Laskowski, M.B. and J.L. Owens (1994).  Embryonic expression of motorneuron topography in the rat diaphragm muscle.  Developmental Biology 166:502-508.

Reis, F. and M.B. Laskowski (1993). Topography of the rat SA muscle following denervation and partial target removal. Experimental Neurology 123:303-305.

DeSantis, M., P.K. Berger, M.B. Laskowski, and A.S. Norton (1992). Regeneration by skeletomotor axons in neonatal rats is topographically selective at an early stage of reinnervation. Exp. Neurology 116:229-239.

 Laskowski, M.B., A.S. Norton, and P.K. Berger (1991). Branching patterns of the rat phrenic nerve during development and reinnervation. Exp. Neurology 113:212-220.