Gleeson Laboratory

Laboratory for Developmental Neurogenetics

Research Interests

Research in my laboratory is focused on understanding how the mammalian brain is assembled.  We study fundamental mechanisms of brain development including neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and neuronal connectivity.

More than anything else, the complexity of our brain defines us as humans and separates us from other species.  Brain development is genetically complex, as evidence by the fact that nearly half of all genes are expressed in the developing brain.  However, this complexity provides an ideal genetic system in order to understand the roles of key genes during development in humans.  We use families with inherited disorders of brain development to identify key genes, and then study the function, genetic and biochemical interactions of each of these genes using model systems.

Neuronal Migration

As neurons are born along the neural axis, they initiate migration along glial fibers or along the neurites of other neurons. They migrate over great distances to achieve correct positioning with the nervous system.  We are studying families of molecules that are critical for this movement.  The goal of these studies is to understand how neurons migrate, and the role of these key genes in modulating intracellular signaling and interpreting extracellular guidance cues.

Neuronal Connectivity

Neurons achieve both long-range and short-range connectivity under the influence of extracellular guidance molecules and intracellular signaling pathways.  We are testing families of genes that appear to be critical for this connectivity between adjacent neurons, and between neurons in diverse brain regions.  The goal of these studies is to understand how these short and long distance connections are established, and the roles of these key genes in directing this connectivity.