Generation and Regeneration of Bilateral Neural Circuits

Lines of investigation

The proper development and connectivity of an adult brain need the extension and guide of neuronal axons to their targets where they will establish appropriate synapses. We are interested in the molecular mechanisms underlying axon guidance and target recognition during the development of the nervous system. We focus on the binary decision of crossing or not the midline that many different types of axons must take at some point of their trajectory and how later they reach their final targets at both sides of the brain and once there, sensory information from both brain hemispheres is integrated and processed. Many features of mature neural function, including the interpretation of sensory information and the coordination of locomotion, depend on coherent communication between the two halves of the nervous system. Therefore, the correct formation of bilateral circuits is essential for the perfect functioning of the mature brain. To understand the mechanisms underlying the development of bilateral circuits our group applies a multidisciplinary set of approaches ranging from mouse genetics, anatomic studies and gene delivery in vivo and in vitro using the mouse visual system as a model.

Representative Publications

Tenure-Track Scientist
Postdoctoral Researcher
Postdoctoral Researcher
Postdoctoral Researcher
Postdoctoral Researcher
Predoctoral Researcher
Predoctoral Researcher
Predoctoral Researcher
Predoctoral Researcher
Administration personnel