Understanding gene regulation mechanisms that underlie generation of interneuron diversity

Eugene Makeyev (primary)
Centre for Developmental Neurobiology
King's College London
Oscar Marin (secondary)
Centre for Developmental Neurobiology
King's College London

Abstract

Brain function requires multiple types of neurons characterised by distinctive structural, molecular and physiological features. How this diversity emerges from a smaller number of progenitor states is a fascinating biological problem. This project will elucidate gene regulation networks allowing neural stem cells to differentiate into different types of cortical interneurons. It will combine advanced computational analyses of single-cell gene expression data with experimental validation of predicted regulators using cutting-edge in vitro and in vivo approaches. We expect to uncover novel mechanisms underlying nervous system development and devise new stem cell-based protocols for generating specific types of interneurons in vitro.


References

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BBSRC Area
Genes, development and STEM* approaches to biology
Area of Biology
DevelopmentNeurobiology
Techniques & Approaches
BioinformaticsEngineeringGeneticsImage ProcessingMathematics / StatisticsMicroscopy / ElectrophysiologyMolecular Biology