Grant: Project Grant

Neurons that are one of the major building blocks of the nervous tissues establish myriads of connections with each other as well as with other cells of human body to determine and control our thoughts, movements and sensory and emotional responses. Interestingly, however, most of the neuronal precursors are generated far away from their sites of integration and need to migrate substantial distances to reach their final destination. How neurons accomplish this amazing journey and what allow them to faithfully arrive to their final destinations and establish connections with each other? This research program is aimed at investigating the mechanisms of neuronal migration and maturation with particular emphasis on the intracellular processes allowing to maintain the health and function of cells. The knowledge about mechanisms orchestrating migration and maturation of neuronal precursors can have clinical relevance and may be used to build up efficient cell replacement therapies by inducing neuronal recruitment into the diseased/damaged brain areas.