| |
| FILIPPO RIJLI |
| Molecular mechanisms of topographic neuronal circuit formation in the vertebrate hindbrain |
 |
| Neuronal circuits are characterized by topographic maps of coordinated axonal connections in which the positional coordinates of spatially ordered input neurons are precisely copied onto spatially ordered sets of target neurons. As an entry point to understand the molecular mechanisms of topographic map formation we focus on the development of the sensory system in the vertebrate hindbrain. Past work from our laboratory has investigated the role of homeodomain transcription factors in providing positional identities to specific groups of hindbrain neuronal progenitors and neural crest-derived craniofacial structures in vertebrate development and evolution. Current work is addressing the potential involvement of these factors in late aspects of neuronal circuit formation such as neuronal migration, axonal pathfinding, or topographic axonal branching. Specifically, we focus on the development of the mouse whisker-to-barrel somatosensory circuit as well as of the auditory and precerebellar circuitry. To this end, we use spatiotemporally controlled Cre-loxP mediated gene targeting, fate-mapping of neuronal subpopulations by genetic tools, imaging of fluorescently labeled neurons and axonal tracts, as well as molecular phenotype analysis and gene expression profiling. Other vertebrate systems (e.g. chick) are also being used to address questions related to evolutionary conservation of hindbrain topographic circuit formation. |
| |
For further information, please contact
Administrative Assistant Gabi Gruber
(+41 61 6976580) |
| |
To contact FMI members directly, click
here for the FMI Directory. |
| |
|
|
 |
|
| Postdoctoral position currently available in "Development of Hindbrain Neuronal Circuits" |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
