The formation of a functional central nervous system during development requires a complex series of cellular events relying upon extensive cell-cell communication and cell-specific gene expression. Neural cell lineages must be specified and maintained before a seemingly limitless number of essential neural connections can be established to allow nervous system function. Departmental research groups are seeking to unravel portions of this process by examining a number of closely related questions. Particular focus has been placed upon molecular mechanisms of neural-specific gene regulation and the specification of neural cell lineages. The causes of common neuropathologies such migraine headache and neurodegenerative diseases are being investigated along with the development of gene therapy strategies for their treatment and/or prevention. Other projects include the examination of neural cell motility, axon guidance and synapse formation controlled by transcriptional regulators. Once neural connections have been established, function of the entire system requires the interactive regulation of excitable membranes responsible for the coordination of sensory input and motor control. Therefore, collaborative interactions with Departmental groups studying both voltage-gated and mechanosensitive ion channels are extensive providing a unique research environment highly conducive to progressive innovation.

Neurobiology Faculty