Research Summary

Our research aims to dissect the developmental mechanisms that regulate the formation of cortical circuits. The cerebral cortex mediates the high functions of the human brain. It is one of the most complex biological systems and comprises an extraordinary number and diversity of neurons that wire with apparent precision during embryonic and postnatal development. We all think, see, feel, or interpret social behaviors similarly because our circuits are similar, allowing us to interact and evolve as a population. We investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that ensure that cortical circuits are built for optimal responses and formed stereotypically and reproducibly in all individuals of the same species. Our research contributes with fundamental knowledge and improves the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as epilepsy, dyslexia, autism, schizophrenia, mental retardation, and many rare disorders. We use the mouse as a model. Our most recent research focuses on i) investigating the differentiation of callosal projection neurons and the development of corpus callosum (CC), an evolutive addition to the mammalian brain that serves to delve into the specific properties of the mammalian neurons, ii) the novel role of inhibitory GABA-ergic neurons sculpting cortical circuits and iii) on the role of Cux1 and Cux2 genes is specifying and maintaining subtype-specific neuronal identities during development, aging and neurodegeneration.

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