Neuron-specific modulations of vertebrate myelination and their effects on neuronal function

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Recent studies using powerful genetic manipulations in rodents and zebrafish showed that myelination is dependent on neuronal activity although we still don't know how myelination affects the function of different neurons. During development, different patterns of myelination arise that depend on axonal geometry and neuronal identity. There are currently no methods to inhibit myelin in a neuronal-specific way in an otherwise intact CNS. My project aims to develop such methods and to study neuronal function and viability. I will do so with genetically modified models, specifically in zebrafish and mice, to modify the expression of the target genes. Once the techniques are developed, I will assess the morphology, viability, and physiological activity of the affected neurons.