Research Interest
HOMEOur laboratory is interested in understanding the molecular basis for the precision and complexity of neuronal circuitry in the brain. We focus on a large family of newly identified cell adhesion molecules, protocadherins (Pcdhs).
We have provided three lines of evidence which support the hypothesis that Pcdh might serve as a code for neuronal specificity.
- The Pcdh genes (14 Pcdh-alpha, 22 Pcdh-beta and 22 Pcdh-gamma in mouse) can generate a significant number of diverse cell adhesion molecules through a combination of cell-specific promoter activation and cis- alternative splicing.
- We observed combinatorial patterns of Pcdh expression in neurons, which might underlie specificity of neuronal connectivity.
- Our initial analyses on Pcdh-gamma null mice and other Pcdh-gamma mutant mice have provided evidence that Pcdh-gamma is essential for vertebrate neural development and may play a role in certain aspects of synaptogenesis.
To further understand Pcdh-gamma’s function, we have generated multiple genetically modified Pcdh-gamma mouse models. The combination of these genetic tools with biochemical and cell biological approaches provides us a powerful way to dissect the Pcdh-gamma signaling system and determine its role in establishing neuronal connectivity. Ultimately our studies may shed light on how combinatorial surface molecular codes contribute to the specificity and complexity of the neuronal network.
A list of publications from our lab is available here.
RESEARCHLINKS
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