Developmental Neurobiology



Scientists in the Department of Developmental Neurobiology investigate the fundamental processes that govern normal brain development and function. We believe that this information will provide unique opportunities for understanding and treating a range of diseases afflicting the nervous system including brain tumors, defects in hearing and vision as well as neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Our goal to enhance novel clinical therapies is facilitated by fostering an interactive environment where researchers investigating fundamental aspects of brain development are juxtaposed to those engaged in clinical and translational research.

This year we are delighted to welcome Dr. David Solecki to the department. Dr. Solecki brings an exciting new research program to the institution that involves the genetic, molecular and cellular dissection of neuronal precursor differentiation and migration. Such work is fundamental to understand the mechanistic basis of normal and aberrant brain development and tumorigenesis. These studies required Dr. Solecki to establish state-of-the-art confocal imaging capabilities to monitor cell migration with cellular and subcellular resolution. When combined with the existing multiphoton laser scanning microscopy suite within the department this provides a powerful platform to other researchers investigating such diverse biological processes as tumorigenesis, cell lineage determination, axon guidance and cell migration.This technology also complements another strength in the department namely the ability to use transgenic and gene disruption approaches to create unique models for the dissection of developmental pathways and tumorigenesis.

Current research includes studies of early cell fate decisions and control of brain growth, neuronal migration and synapse formation, analysis of the mechanisms responsible for synaptic plasticity, investigations of the control of cell death and regeneration, determination of the role of neurotrophins and their receptors in the nervous system, identification of genes involved in the formation and function of the inner ear and retina, and elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying a range of brain tumors, including medulloblastoma, retinoblastoma, ependymoma and glioma. The department also contributes to the neurobiology and brain tumor program and has been recognized for its basic, translational and clinical research into brain tumors afflicting children.

The Developmental Neurobiology Department at St. Jude is chaired by James Morgan, PhD.


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