The goal of our laboratory is to prevent the causes of brain degeneration and loss of neuronal function. In addition, we aim to repair brain function by restoration of new neurons and glia in the brain. We have three major lines of research:
(1) Lipid...
Cell architecture in C. elegans
The question I am interested in is, "How do cells get the right shapes and make the right attachments to build organs?" Single cells have amazing morphologies that determine their function -- nowhere more so than in the...
The brain, which represents 2% of the body mass but consumes 20% of the body energy at rest, is therefore highly dependent on oxygen and nutrients supply from the blood stream. Key to the functional interdependence between neural and vascular systems is...
Cognition, perception, and behavior all rely on the activity of precisely organized networks of neurons. We have a strong understanding of the basic developmental mechanisms that guide circuit assembly, from cell fate determination to axon guidance to...
We are interested in the mechanisms that direct development and degeneration of the central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates. We are focusing our studies on the vertebrate retina, a relatively simple and well-characterized area of the CNS. We have...
Our broad interest is to understand how cell-cell signaling molecules set up spatial pattern, particularly in the formation of neuronal connections. We use a range of approaches including biochemical and cell biological studies, high-throughput analysis...
My laboratory is focused on three related questions: How is the enormous diversity of local GABAergic inhibitory neurons within the cerebral cortex created? How do each of the unique interneuron subtypes become seamlessly integrated into the brain during...
The step-by-step differentiation of embryonic cells into different types of neurons lays the foundation for our sensory responses, motor commands, and cognitive behaviors. Our research explores such differentiation programs in mammals using a...
Our group is using molecular, genetic and electrophysiological techniques to explore the molecular and neuronal basis of instinctive social behaviors in the mouse.
We are pursuing several projects at the molecular, cellular and systems levels in order...