Grant: Project Grant - PA: Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction

During brain development, neurons navigate over long distances to reach their targets and make the appropriate connections. To achieve this important task, they will be guided by molecular cues present in their cellular environment. Netrin-1 and its receptor "deleted in colorectal cancer" (DCC) are important guidance cues during brain development. In humans, genetic variations within the DCC gene are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and the rare disease non-syndromic congenital mirror movements. Our previous work has highlighted the importance of small molecular switches in these neuronal processes. In this research proposal, our goals are to understand how netrin-1 regulate these molecular switches in order to achieve the proper navigation of neurons during development. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying netrin-1 function during neuronal development will help to identify novel therapeutic targets to improve treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders.