Dissection of genetic and epigentic factors controlling adult born neurons migration

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During the development of the most complex organ, the mammalian brain, from the embryonic stage to a fully developed organism, the initial, coarse neuronal connections transform into precisely ordered circuits that mediate individually optimized perception and behavior. Production of new neurons, their migration along complex routes and their integration into the circuits are critical events during this process. The processes such as cell differentiation/survival, axonal and dendritic growths, and synapses formation/elimination contribute to the formation and maturation of the different neural networks in the brain. The brain construction, starting during embryonic life, continues postnatally and is under the control of genetic and epigenetic factors. Deciphering the mechanisms controlling brain development and how impairment of this assembly may affect physiology are key questions in modern Neuroscience.The mechanisms controlling the production of new neurons in discrete location, their migration to different regions in the brain and their integration in neural networks of the adult brain is still unclear and is the focus of the proposed research project. We propose to study the mechanisms controlling the migration of adult-born neurons starting from the level of genes up to the behavior level. Specifically, we would like to understand how some guiding cues and their associated receptors may influence neurites and nucleus motility and how the sensory experience control the migration process. To address these questions, we aim to use olfactory system as the model system since the olfactory bulb is subjected to adult neurogenesis. We propose to use a combination of pharmacological, genetic, imaging and behavioral methods, to address the questions described in this project.