Description:

Abstract

Developing neurons integrate into functional circuits through a series of cell recognition events, which include neuronal sorting, axon and dendrite patterning, synaptic selection, among others. Our research focuses on cell-surface recognition molecules, particularly PCDHs, that mediate interactions between neurons to discriminate and select appropriate targets in the developing brain. Additionally, we seek to uncover novel mechanisms of neural recognition that lead to early-onset epilepsy in humans. In this talk, I will discuss two recent R01 proposals (one submitted and one in-progress) relating to our work on the characterization of disease mechanisms pertaining to PCDH19-related epilepsy. I welcome feedback from the community to improve these proposals.