Project 1:
Reelin-signalling and neuron migration in the mouse brain.
We aim to understand how interneurons migrate and integrate into the developing neocortex. Understanding how interneurons are assembled into the cortex and the role the Reelin-signalling pathway plays in this process will shed light on neurological diseases associated with interneuron migration abnormalities. For example, it is known that Reelin levels and particular interneuron sub-populations are reduced in brains of schizophrenics while aberrant function of one interneuron sub-type (the chandelier cell) is thought to be involved in epilepsy. A detailed knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms by which interneurons reach their appropriate position in the cortex may, one day, help to improve the management of these devastating neurological disorders. This project will use genetically-modified mice to understand the contribution of genetic factors to neuron migration.
Publications
Tan S.S, Kalloniatis M., Truong H-T., Binder M.D., Cate H.S., Kilpatrick T.J., Hammond V.E., (2009) Oligodendrocyte Positioning in cerebral Cortex is Independent of Projection Neuron Layering. Glia 57:1024-1030.
Hammond V, So E, Gunnersen J, Valcanis H, Kalloniatis M, Tan SS (2006) Layer positioning of lateborn cortical interneurons is dependent on Reelin but not p35 signaling. J Neurosci 26:1646-1655.
Hammond V., Howell B., Godinho L. and Tan S-S. (2001) disabled –1 Functions cell Autonomously during Radial Migration and Cortical Layering of Pyramidal Neurons. J Neurosci 21:8798-8808.
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