C. elegans brain: neurons labeled with fluorescent proteins (GFP variants)
The brain is one of the most fascinating organs. Its development during embryogenesis is a complex process, which is only partially understood. My lab studies how neuronal circuits form during embryonic development. Specifically, we identify and study genes required for the correct navigation of neuronal processes (axons and dendrites), a process known as axon guidance.
We study brain development in a small roundworm, Caenorhabditis elegans (see picture above). C. elegans has a small brain with only 302 neurons. This makes it easy to identify defects in brain development in comparison to animals with a more complex brain. Many experimental techniques to study gene function are established, which facilitates identification and characterization of genes controlling axon guidance. Almost all the genes we and other identified in C. elegans are also found in vertebrates including humans, so that results from our studies also help us to understand how the human brain develops.
On the technical side, our lab uses a number of complementary approaches to identify and study genes controlling axon navigation. Techniques involve genetic screens, RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9 to inactivate genes, bioinformatics to predict candidate genes and molecular biology tools to study gene expression and function. Characterization of developmental defects involves various microscopic techniques including fluorescence, confocal and super-resolution microscopy. Read more about our research ...
