Developmental Neurobiology

我的研究项目旨在了解神经细胞（神经元）如何与邻近的细胞交流，形成一个功能性的神经网络。神经元通过称为突触的特殊界面与目标细胞进行交流。神经元之间的沟通不畅会导致各种神经系统疾病，对患者及其家人有害。为此，我使用遗传模式生物秀丽隐杆线虫的神经元来阐明神经元在哪里以及如何形成突触的遗传和分子机制。我们的发现将有助于其他研究人员测试类似的机制是否存在于具有更复杂神经系统的动物模型中，如小鼠。

My research program aims at understanding how nerve cells (neurons) communicate with their neighboring cells to form a functional neural network. Neurons communicate with their target cells via specialized interface called synapses. Miscommunication between neurons cause various neurological conditions which are detrimental to those affected and their family. Toward this I use neurons of the genetic model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans, to elucidate the genetic and molecular mechanisms that underlie where and how neurons form synapses. Our findings will help other researchers to test if similar mechanisms is present in animal models with more complex nervous system such as mouse.