Blanco, Rosa E., PhD

Professor
Rosa Blanco

Contact Info

Research Interests

Visual system nerve regeneration.

My research interest are concerned with the interactions between neurons and glial cells that determine the survival of injured retinal ganglion cells, and understanding the role that growth factors play on the recovery and plasticity of the visual system. I am also interested in the specificity of the synaptic connections between neurons during development and regeneration.

Present Funding:

Indirect Costs

Selected Publications:

  • De La Rosa-Reyes V*, Duprey-Diaz MV, Blagburn JM, Blanco RE (2021) Retinoic acid treatment recruits macrophages and increases axonal regeneration after optic nerve injury in the frog Rana Pipiens. PLoS One Nov 5; 16(11): e0255196. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255196. eCollection 2021. (pp. 1-22) PMID: 34739478
  • Kavetsky L, Green KK, Boyle BR, Yousufzai FAK, Padron ZM, Melli SE, Kuhnel VL, Jackson HM, Blanco RE, Howell GR, Soto I. (2019) Increased interactions and engulfment of dendrites by microglia precede Purkinje cell degeneration in a mouse model of Niemann Pick Type-C. Sci Rep. 2019 Oct 11;9(1):14722. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-51246-1. PMID: 31605022
  • Blanco RE, Vega-Meléndez GS, De La Rosa-Reyes V, Del Cueto C, Blagburn JM. (2019) Application of CNTF or FGF-2 increases the number of M2-like macrophages after optic nerve injury in adult Rana pipiens. PLoS One. 2019 May 2;14(5):e0209733. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209733. eCollection 2019. PMID: 31048836
  • Duprey-Díaz MV*, Blagburn JM, Blanco RE (2016) Exogenous modulation of retinoic acid signaling affects adult RGC survival in the frog visual system after optic nerve injury. PLoS One (Sep 9) 11(9):e0162626.
  • Duprey-Díaz MV*, Blagburn JM, Blanco RE (2016) Optic nerve injury upregulates retinoic acid signaling in the adult frog visual system. J Chem Neuroanat 77:80-92
  • Vega-Meléndez GS*, Blagburn JM, Blanco RE (2014) Ciliary neurotrophic factor and fibroblast growth factor increase the speed and number of regenerating axons after optic nerve injury in adult Rana pipiens. J Neurosci Res. 92(1):13-23.
  • Duprey-Díaz MV*, Blagburn JM, Blanco RE (2012) Changes in fibroblast growth factor-2 and FGF receptors in the frog visual system during optic nerve regeneration. J Chem Neuroanat. 46(1-2):35-44.
  • Blanco RE, Soto I, Duprey-Díaz M, Blagburn JM. (2008) Up-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor by application of fibroblast growth factor-2 to the cut optic nerve is important for long-term survival of retinal ganglion cells. J Neurosci Res. 86:3382-92.
  • Soto I, López-Roca TH, Blagburn JM, Blanco RE. (2006) Changes in nNOS and NADPH diaphorase in frog retina and tectum after axotomy and FGF-2 application. Brain Research: 1103: 65-75.
  • Soto I, Rosenthal J, Blagburn JM, Blanco RE. (2006) Fibroblast growth factor 2 applied to the optic nerve after axotomy upregulates BDNF and TrkB in ganglion cells by activating the ERK and PKA signaling pathways. Journal of Neurochemistry: 96:82-96
  • Rios-Munoz W, Soto I, Duprey-Diaz MV, Blagburn J, Blanco RE. (2005). Fibroblast growth factor 2 applied to the optic nerve after axotomy increases Bcl-2 and decreases Bax in ganglion cells by activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway. J Neurochemistry: 93(6): 1422-33.
  • Duprey-Diaz M, Blagburn JM, Blanco RE. (2003) Neurotrophin 3 and its receptor TrkC in the frog visual system; changes after axotomy. Brain Research: 982:54-63.
  • Soto I, Marie B, Baro DJ, Blanco RE. (2003) FGF-2 upregulates the expression of GAP-43 in frog retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve injury.  J Neuroscience Research: 73(4): 507-17.
  • Duprey-Diaz MV, Soto I, Blagburn JM, Blanco RE. (2002) Changes in Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and trkB receptor in the adult Rana pipiens retina and optic tectum after optic nerve injury. Journal of Comparative Neurology: 454:456-469.
  • Blanco RE, López-Roca A, Soto I, Blagburn JM. (2000) Basic fibroblast growth factor applied to the optic nerve after injury increases long term cell survival in the frog retina. Journal of Comparative Neurology: 423:646-658.
  • Blanco RE, Rosado J, Padilla J, del Cueto C. (1999). Ultrastructural studies of dorsal root axons regenerating through adult frog optic and sciatic nerves. Microscopy Research and Techniques: 46:310-318
  • Lugo N, Blanco RE. (1997). Somatostatin-like immunoreactive cells in the ground squirrel retina. Cell Biology International: 21:447-453
  • Blagburn JM, Sosa MA, Blanco RE. (1996). Specificity of identified central synapses in the embryonic cockroach: appropriate connections form before the onset of spontaneous afferent activity. Journal of Comparative Neurology: 373: 511-528.
  • Blanco RE, Orkand PM. (1996). Astrocytes and regenerating axons at the proximal stump of the severed frog optic nerve. Cell and Tissue Research: 286:337-345.
  • Díaz-Miranda L, Blanco RE, García-Arrarás JE. (1995). Localization of the heptapeptide GFSKLYFamide in the sea cucumber Holothuria glaberrima (echinodermata): a light and electron microscopic study. Journal of Comparative Neurology: 352:626-640.
  • Lugo-Garcia N, Blanco RE. (1993). Dopaminergic neurons in the ground squirrel retina: a light and electron microscopy study. Journal fur Hirnforsch: 4: 561-569.
  • Lugo-Garcia N, Blanco RE. (1993). Morphology and distribution of dopaminergic neurons in the ground squirrel retina. Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal: 12: 137-142
  • Blanco RE, Marrero H, Orkand PM, Orkand RK. (1993). Changes in ultrastructure and voltage-dependent currents at the glia limitans of the frog optic nerve following retinal ablation. GLIA: 8:97-105.
  • Blagburn JM, Blanco RE, Thompson KSJ, Bacon JP. (1991). Positional information determines the anatomy and synaptic specificity of cockroach filiform hair afferents using independent mechanisms. Journal of Comparative Physiology: 169:607-614.
  • Lugo-Garcia N, RE Blanco. (1991). Localization of GAD and GABA -like immunoreactivity in the ground squirrel retina: retrograde labeling demonstrates GAD-positive ganglion cells. Brain Research: 564:19-26.
  • Orkand PM, RE Blanco, H Marrero, RK Orkand. (1991). Ultrastructure and voltage dependent sodium currents at the Glia limitans of the frog optic nerve before and after the axons degenerate. New York Academy of Sciences: 663:586-589.
  • Blanco RE, Lane NJ (1990). Changes in intercellular junctions during peripheral nerve regeneration in insects. Journal of Neurocytology: 19, 873-882
  • Blanco RE. (1990). Ultrastructural changes in glial cells during peripheral nerve regeneration in the cockroach. GLIA: 3(2): 98-109.
  • Blanco RE. (1988). Glial cells in peripheral nerves of the cockroach. Tissue and Cell: 20: 771-782.

Selected abstracts/presentations:

  • Blanco, R.E., Duprey-Díaz, M.V, Soto, I., Blagburn, J.M. and I. Soto (2008). Changes in Changes in fibroblast growth factor-2 and FGF receptors 1 and 3 in the frog visual system during optic nerve regeneration. Forum of European Neuroscience, Geneva July 2008.
  • Duprey-Díaz M, Rivera W, Vázquez D, Blanco RE. (2008) Regulatory components of retinoic acid signaling in the visual system of the frog rana pipiens: changes after optic nerve injury. Society for Neurscience, 556.16/CC3
  • Blanco RE, Duprey-Díaz MV, Soto I, Blagburn JM. Long term survival effect of FGF2 treatment after axotomy of retinal ganglion cells is reduced after siRNA silencing of BDNF. Acta Physiologica Volume 190, Supplement 655, July 2007
  • Rivera W, Duprey-Díaz MV, Blanco RE. (2007) Immunolocalization of retinoic acid recptors in the visual system of the frog Rana pipiens: Changes after optic nerve injury. Medical Sciences Campus XXVII Research Forum. March 2007
  • Rivera W, Duprey-Diaz MV, Blanco RE. (2006) Changes in Retinoic acid receptors in the visual system of the frog Rana pipiens after optic nerve injury. 15th Puerto Rico Neuroscience Conference, December 2006.
  • Blanco RE, Soto I, Duprey-Díaz MV, Blagburn JM. (2006) BDNF silencing by RNAi reduces the survival effect of FGF-2 treatment after axotomy of retinal ganglion cells. Forum of European Neuroscience, Vienna July 2006
  • Blanco RE, Soto I, Duprey-Díaz MV, Blagburn JM. (2006) Application of FGF-2 to the optic nerve after axotomy increases the long-term survival of ganglion cells expressing BDNF and TrkB. Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology ( ARVO) meeting Fort Lauderdale, IOVS: May 2006
  • Duprey-Diaz MV, Sanjurjo-Meléndez L, Soto I, Blagburn JM, Blanco RE. (2005). Effects of Optic nerve injury and FGF receptor 1 in the frog visual system. Program No. 977.10 November, Washington, DC, Society for Neuroscience.
  • Blanco RE, Soto I, López-Roca TH, Blagburn JM. (2005) Nitric oxide in retina and tectum changes after axotomy and FGF-2 application. Society for Experimental Biology, Barcelona, Spain. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology S217
  • Soto I, López-Roca TH, Blanco RE. (2005) FGF-2 application to the optic nerve after axotomy transiently increases nNOS activity in the retina and tectum. IOVS, Fort Lauderdale May 2005
  • Blanco RE, Rios-Muñoz W, Soto I, Blagburn JM. (2004) FGF-2 applied to the optic nerve after axotomy upregulates the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-x in ganglion cells by activating the ERK signaling pathway. Federation of European Neuroscience Societies FENS, Lisboan, Portugal.
  • Soto I, Rios-Munoz W, Blanco RE. (2004) FGF-2 Up-regulates the expressions of BDNF and TrkB in retinal ganglion cells after axotomy through the activation of the ERK/CREB signaling pathway. IOVS, Fort Lauderdale, May 2004.
  • Duprey-Diaz MV, Sanjurjo-Meléndez L, Soto I, Blanco RE. (2003) Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 and FGF receptors 1 and 3 in the frog visual system after Optic Nerve Injury. 697.8 November, New Orleans, Society for Neuroscience
  • Ríos-Muñoz W, Soto I, Blagburn JM, Blanco RE. (2003) FGF-2 Treatment activates the ERK Signaling Pathway in Axotomized Retinal Ganglion Cell. 35.35 November, New Orleans, Society for Neuroscience.
  • Duprey-Diaz M, Blagburn JM, Blanco RE. (2003) Neurotrophin 3 and TrkC in the Frog Visual System: Changes after Axotomy. Medical Sciences Research Forum, RCM, UPR April 2003.
  • Ríos-Muñoz W, Soto I, Blanco RE. (2003) FGF-2 Treatment Increases Activation of the ERK Signaling Pathway in Axotomized Retinal Ganglion Cells. Medical Sciences Research Forum, RCM, UPR April 2003.
  • Sanjurjo-Meléndez L, Duprey-Díaz MV, Soto I, Blanco RE. (2003) Fibroblast Growth Factors and their Receptors in the Frog Visual System after Optic Nerve Injury. Medical Sciences Research Forum, RCM, UPR April 2003.
  • Blanco RE, Soto I, Ríos-Muñoz W, Blagburn JM. (2003) FGF-2 Treatment Activates the ERK Signaling Pathway in Axotomized Retinal Ganglion Cells. FEBS Meeting on Signal Transduction, Brussels, Belgium, July 2003
  • Soto I, Duprey-Díaz M, Ríos W, Blanco RE. (2002). FGF-2 upregulates the expression of BDNF in axotomized retinal ganglion cells. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 824.11. Orlando, Florida
  • Soto I, del Cueto C, Blanco RE. (2002). FGF-2 enhances adult retinal ganglion cell regeneration after axotomy. Meeting of the Association for Research in vision and Ophthalmology, Fort Lauderdale April 2001. IOVS, 194.
  • Soto I, Baro DJ, Blanco RE. (2001) FGF-2 Upregulates GAP-43 expression in frog retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve injury. Soc. Neurosc. Abstract.
  • Duprey M, Blanco RE. (2000) Immunolocalization of BDNF, NT-3 and Trk B receptors in the control and regenerating Rana pipiens retina. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 41(4): S247
  • Blanco RE, Soto I, Soto J, López-Roca A, Blagburn JM. (1998) Dendritic remodeling and neurofilament accumulation in frog retinal ganglion cells after axotomy. Forum of European Neuroscience: Eur. J. Neurosci. 10 (10), 56.
  • López-Roca A, Soto I, Soto J, Blanco RE. (1998) Basic fibroblast growth factor applied to the optic nerve after injury increases cell survival in the retina. XIX Ann. Res. Forum, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico. A-74.
  • Blanco RE, Soto I. (1998). Accumulation of neurofilaments in a subset of frog retinal ganglion cells after axotomy. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science: 39 (4), S807.
  • López-Roca A, Soto I, Blanco RE. (1997). Cell survivall and Neurofilament expression in the frog retina after optic nerve injury. Sixth Puerto Rico Neuroscience Conference. UPR.
  • Rubio-Davila M, Cruz-Jove I, Blanco RE, Escalona de Motta G. (1997) Delta opioid reeceptors in amphibian smooth muscle contractility and enkephalin-like immunoreactivity. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. Vol: 27 pag. 397
  • Blanco RE, López-Roca A, Blagburn JM. (1997). Cell death and dendritic remodeling in the frog retina after optic nerve injury. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 38(4):S605
  • Perez R, Blanco RE, Steinacker A, Zuazaga C. Afferent and Efferent innervation of the crista ampularis of the toadfish (Opsanus tau). Experimental Biology 97. New Orleans, 1997.
  • Blanco RE. (1996). Cell death in the retina after axotomy and rescue by bFGF. Fifth Puerto Rico Neuroscience Conference, Ponce.
  • Rubio-Dávila M, Lugo-López R, Hernández C, Blanco RE, Escalona de Motta G. (1996) Histological and ultrastructural study of frog (Rana pipiens) gastric muscularis externa. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. Vol; 22 pag. 1580.
  • Blanco RE. (1996). Survival of Retinal Ganglion Cells. Simposio, Semana de la Biología, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Puerto Rico.
  • Blanco RE, Rosado-Sanchez JE, Padilla J, Orkand PM. (1995). Effects of altering the CNS and PNS environment on axonal regeneration in the frog.16th Annual Research Forum. Medical Sciences Campus. University of Puerto Rico.
  • Pérez NL, Marrero H, de la Cruz J, Smith DS, Blanco RE, Del Castillo J. (1995). Transient Wrinkles in a Tendon. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr: 21: 175.16.
  • Lugo N, Blanco RE. (1995). Somatostatin-like immunoreactive cells in the ground squirrel retina: Morphological characterization. 2nd Natl. NIH-MIRDP Minority Institutions Research Development Program, Washington.
  • Blanco RE, Rosado-Sanchez JE, Padilla J, Orkand PM. (1995). Frog optic nerve and dorsal root axons regenerate into CNS and PNS grafts. The FASEB Journal: 9 (3) A 382.
  • Rivera N, Blanco RE, Lugo N. (1994). Medium-sized retinal ganglion cells projecting to the ground squirrel superior colliculus. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr: 485.1.
  • Blanco RE, Orkand PM. (1994). Association between regenerating axons and astrocytes after optic nerve injury. NIH-MIRDP, Minority Institutions Research Development Program, Atlanta.
  • Blanco RE, Marrero H, Orkand PM, Orkand R. (1994). Effects of retinal ablation on the morphology and physiology of the glial cells in optic nerve. Sixth Puerto Rico Epscor Annual Conference. San Juan.
  • Areces-Pernas M, Blanco RE, Figueroa-Nieves, Specht SC. (1993). Na+ Pump Isoforms in sciatic and optic nerves of rat and ground squirrel. Second Puerto Rico Neuroscience Conference.
  • Blanco RE, Taronji J, Lewis, Cordero L, del Cueto C, Orkand P. (1993). Regenerating axons in frog optic nerve. Second Puerto Rico Neuroscience Conference.
  • Principe K, Blanco RE. (1992). Retinal development in the bifoveate Anolis lizard. First Puerto Rico Neuroscience Conference.
  • Orkand PM, Blanco RE. (1992). Regenerating frog optic nerve axons: do glia guide the growing tips? Soc. Neurosci. Abstr.20: 407.1.
  • Lugo-García N, Blanco RE. (1991). Amacrine cells immunoreactive to tyrosine hydroxylase in the ground squirrel retina. Anatomical Record 229:56A.
  • Orkand PM, RE Blanco, H Marrero, RK Orkand. (1990). Ultrastructure and voltage dependent sodium currents at the Glia limitans of the frog optic nerve before and after the axons degenerate. Glial-Neuronal Interaction. Cambridge, England.
  • Lugo-García N, RE Blanco, TE Hughes, H Karten. (1990). Localization of GAD-like and GABA-like immunoreactivity in the ground squirrel retina. The Anatomical Record: Vol. 226, No 4.
  • Orkand P, Blanco RE, Marrero H, Orkand R. (1989). Changes in ultrastructure and voltage dependent currents at the glia limitans of the frog optic nerve following retinal ablation. IUPS, Helsinki.
  • Blanco RE, Del Cueto C, Cordova L. (1989). Immunocytochemical demonstration of serotonin-immunoreactive cells in the nervous system of the centipede, Scolopocrytops ferrugineus (L). Research forum, University of Puerto Rico.
  • Blanco RE, P Orkand. (1989). Ultrastructural changes in glial cells of frog optic nerve after retinal ablation. American Association of Anatomists. The Anatomical Record: Vol. 223, No 4.
  • H Marrero, MA Astion, JA Coles, RE Blanco, RK Orkand. (1988). Nerve impulses modify voltage-gated channels in frog neuroglia. Tenth annual research forum. Medical Sciences Campus. University of Puerto Rico.
  • Marrero HG, ML Astion, JA Coles, RE Blanco, RK Orkand. (1988). Nerve impulses modify voltage-gated channels in frog. Soc. Neurosc. Abstr., Vol. 14, p 298.