Interests

The formation of the nervous system requires the specification of a vast array of different cell types and their coordinated interactions to shape functional adult brain structures. This complex process requires fine-tuning of gene expression in each cell type, which ultimately governs their positioning, shape and connectivity. I focus on neuronal migration, a common feature in vertebrate brain development that allows the correct positioning of neurons to form functional circuits. In Drosophila, only two related neuronal types have been described to undergo migration, the lamina wide-field neurons type 1 and 2 (Lawf1 and Lawf2). Using the unmatched toolset that Drosophila provides for cell tracking and genetic manipulation, I am identifying the genetic and molecular basis of Lawf migration, which should be instructive to the general processes that drive neuronal migration in other species. Taking advantage of the extensive experience of the Desplan Lab with live imaging and single-cell mRNA sequencing, I apply these techniques to describe the dynamics of Lawf migration and to identify candidate genes that regulate the process.