Neurodevelopment

My primary research interest lies in the question how cells of our developing brain communicate with each other in order to establish a specialized area dedicated to a specific function.

Proper functioning of every region of the brain requires that selective subsets of cells communicate effectively with each other, allowing them to transduce information in a meaningful way. In addition, specific communication strategies are utilized in distinct processes in the development and function of the nervous system. These strategies may be dictated by intrinsic factors, such as regulators of particular genes, or extrinsic influences, such as experience-based changes in cell-cell communication.

My overall aim is to elucidate the molecular basis of developing brain areas, specifically those involved in neurodevelopmental disorders using state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo functional approaches like in utero electroporation. This may help to understand the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders and contribute to better treatment strategies.