Grant: Operating Grant

The discovery of neuronal progenitors in the certain regions of the adult mammalian brain, including humans, raised the exciting possibility of using endogenous neuronal precursors to cure brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases. Yet, although promising, the use of adult neurogenesis to heal these devastating diseases is far from reach and depends upon a full understanding of the mechanisms that regulate production, migration and integration of new neurons into the adult brain tissue. This research program is aimed at investigating the mechanisms of neuronal migration in the postnatal brain under normal physiological conditions and following injury. The knowledge about molecular and cellular pathways orchestrating migration of neuronal precursors can be used to build up efficient cell replacement therapies by inducing neuronal recruitment into the diseased/damaged brain areas.