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| SILVIA ARBER |
| Assembly and function of motor circuits |
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Motor behavior represents the ultimate output of nearly all nervous system activity. The overall goal of our studies is to identify principles on how - at the neuronal circuit level - specificity of neuronal connections in the motor system can explain behavior as complex as motor behavior.
The organization and function of the mature nervous system relies on the precision with which defined neuronal circuits assemble into functional units during development. Hierarchies of genetic programs allow diversification of neuronal subtypes, differentiation, and connectivity into precise neuronal circuits.
Our research aims to identify the molecular and mechanistic basis involved in the establishment of specific connections within a defined circuit of interconnected neurons, with a particular focus on the establishment of circuits involved in motor behavior. We have shown that precise signaling interactions between neurons and their target tissues and the action of several classes of transcription factors as well as cell surface molecules play important roles at sequential steps of motor circuit assembly and function.
We address these questions using multi-facetted approaches combining many technologies, including gain- and loss-of-function mouse genetics, viral techniques, high-end microscopy analysis of connectivity and synapses, gene expression profiling of identified neuronal subpopulations, electrophysiology and behavioral analysis. |
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For further information, please contact
Administrative Assistant Isabella Bogdal
(+41 61 6976653) |
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