In order for the adult brain to function correctly it must be “wired-up” correctly during development.  Our laboratory investigates the basic mechanisms that regulate how the brain forms, and in particular how the developing cerebral cortex is formed during embryonic and foetal development. 

The largest fibre tract in the brain is called the corpus callosum.  This tract connects neurons in the left and right cerebral cortex.  Our laboratory is interested in how this tract forms and what are the genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate its development.

The laboratory has a number of specific project areas:

1)The role of nuclear factor one genes in cortical and hippocampal development.

2)Axon guidance mechanisms regulating commissure formation in the brain.

3)Early developmental events regulating midline patterning and glial development in mouse and human development.

Research projects for both science and medical graduates are available within our group.  Please contact Professor Linda Richards for more information.