BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

This topic is available as a Lab or library project

The mechanisms that underlie the development of the nervous system are a subject of intense research interest. In addition to their appeal to intrinsic scientific curiousity, an understanding of these mechanisms has important implications for promoting neural regeneration and developing therapies for a wide variety of brain disorders which are believed to have a developmental basis. These include autism, schizophrenia, mental retardation, epilepsy and bipolar disorder. The formation of appropriate connections in the developing brain can be roughly divided into two broad stages. During early development neurons are generated, migrate into position and send out axons that are guided by molecular cues to reach their target areas. At later stages neuronal connections refine to achieve the adult pattern of connectivity. This latter stage is believed to be driven by activity. In the laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology we try to understand the mechanisms which underlie the formation of the appropriate sets of neuronal connections in the developing brain. We also explore the functional consequences of the deletions of these molecules. Our recent work has demonstrated that a previously little known transmembrane glycoprotein, called Ten_m3, is required for normal guidance of retinal axons to their targets and its absence has devastating consequences for vision. The work encompasses neuroanatomical, behavioural, physiological and molecular biological studies. If interested apply to Dr Cathy Leamey: cathy@physiol.usyd.edu.au

Supervisor: Dr Catherine Leamey

Location: Discipline of Physiology, Anderson Stuart Bldg

Email: cathy@physiol.usyd.edu.au