Basic Mechanisms of Neuronal Development, Maintenance and Function in the Basal Ganglia

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Our research program aims at discovering how different areas of the mammalian brain acquire a precisely controlled complement of diverse types of nerve cells (neurons) and form the right connections. The developing nervous system generates far more neurons than can survive. Indeed, over half the neurons that are produced die by a form of programmed cell death known as apoptosis. A major factor determining which neuron subtypes survive is whether they are able to get adequate access to survival molecules known as neurotrophins. In order to acquire the correct neurotrophin, the nerve cell must express a receptor molecule, which recognizes the neurotrophin and facilities its survival action. Furthermore, it is preferable that nerve cells survive in response to some form of activity in their environment, allowing for a matching of activating input fivers, with the correct number and type of neurons to be ultimately available for healthy function of the adult nervous system.