The establishment of the nervous system during development is critical for proper neural circuit function; yet the underlying principles of how neurons are wired developmentally remains unclear. An overarching goal of developmental neuroscience is to fill this gap in knowledge, and address how deficits in neuronal development, connectivity and plasticity compromise learning, sensory perception and contribute to disease. The aim of our research is to use this knowledge to harness developmental mechanisms to reverse pathology resulting from CNS injury and disease.
The Department of Neurobiology has faculty members focused on various aspects on neural circuit development, including cell type specification, neurotrophin-mediated differentiation, synapse assembly and plasticity in both the brain and spinal cord. Further, we have numerous faculty studying how neurodegenerative diseases (AD, FTD, ALS) may target mediators of neural circuit assembly.
We employ a variety of cutting-edge techniques including:
- In vivo 2-photon imaging of synaptic structure and calcium signaling
- Combined optogenetic and sensor-imaging based approaches
- Light sheet microscopy for macroscopic analysis of brain circuits
- In vitro and in vivo electrophysiology
- Analysis of various type of learning (recognition, motor and sensory)
- Genetic dissection of neural circuit development and function
- Studies in animal models of disease (AD, PD, ALS, Sz)
Consult the list of affiliated faculty for further information on our research in Developmental Neurobiology.
*Image from Wills Lab