Grant: Operating Grant

It is well accepted that in the developing nervous system neuronal connections undergo tremendous remodeling, and evidence is accumulating that in fact this is true for the adult brain as well. We use a combination of genetic and molecular tools in combination with imaging and electrophysiological techniques in fruit fly nervous system to identify genes and characterize mechanisms that underlie the ability of neurons to maintain their ability to change and remodel. In parallel experiments, we study the role of human disease genes in this process, by focusing on the fly counterparts of human genes or by transgenically expressing the human genes in the nervous system of the fly. Our findings will provide important insight into how the brain is wired up and how it functions as well as paving the way for novel therapeutic approaches aimed at curing brain diseases.