Mechanisms of sensory map development

Team research theme:

Our team is interested in the developmental events that shape neuronal networks (e.g. the neuronal connectivity between the retina and the brain). We investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie three main steps of neuronal circuit wiring: (i) neuronal migration, a developmental stage that positions the neuron cell body in the nervous system, (ii) axon guidance, a process that enables developing axons to reach their targets, and (iii) axon pruning, a later developmental step that leads to the refinement of exuberant connections. Our research lines focus on deciphering the intrinsic mechanisms that adjust cellular behaviors to their environment (guidance molecules, neighboring axons, …) with a particular focus on two distinct but related processes: second messenger (cAMP, cGMP and Ca2+) signaling and cytoskeleton remodeling.

Research areas

• Describing connectivity development in the nervous system.
• Identifying second messenger network integrating cues that shape sensory maps (focusing on axon guidance and axonal/synaptic competition).
• Decrypting intracellular codes of second messenger systems
• Understanding the coding strategies used by axons to specifically link a cyclic nucleotide or calcium signal to its downstream pathway.

Main techniques and approaches used: 

Microscopy (FRET, TIRF, FLIM, STED, super-resolution), cell culture, animal models (mouse, zebrafish), cell-free reconstituted systems