For the nervous system to function properly, each neuron must be made in the right place at the right time during development. Once neurons are formed, they often embark on long journeys to their final destination. When this precise spatial and temporal program is perturbed, cancer, degeneration or other neurologic diseases may result. In the Department of Developmental Neurobiology we advance our understanding of these highly dynamic processes using fundamental questions to guide our research into the earliest phases of neural development.
How are different cell types produced?
How do defects in spatial and temporal coordination during embryogenesis impact function?
When do cells signal to each other to coordinate their developmental programs?
Can these developmental programs be altered to drive evolutionary adaptation?
Fundamental developmental biology is the foundation for most of our research in our department.
