Development and developmental disorders of the nervous system
The development of the nervous system is a long process that begins around the third gestational week and continues throughout to puberty. It sets up the functional neural networks and comprises the generation and differentiation of neural cells, migration of neurons, extension of neurites, as well as formation and refinement of synapses by activity-dependent and -independent mechanisms. All these processes are tightly regulated. Defects in the genetic programs that govern neural development lead to devastating disorders that range from severe malformations, incompatible with life, to learning disabilities with considerable social and economic burden. Understanding the mechanisms in play during the formation and functioning of neural networks is essential for a better diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of neuronal disorders. Furthermore, several mechanisms implicated in development are reactivated in response to trauma and /or disease. Hence, elucidation of such mechanisms will help devising repair strategies for the damaged nervous system and promote its functional recovery.
We have identified genes and proteins with fundamental roles in the developing and adult nervous system and linked their dysfunction to locomotor, metabolic, and cognitive disorders. We use state-of-art and cutting-edge technologies (e.g. gene editing, lineage tracing, and live imaging in animal models; MRI and electrophysiological recording in patients) to manipulate their expression, better characterize their function, identify their targets and interactors, and tackle the mechanisms underlying development and repair of the nervous system. The brain is also characterized by its remarkable plasticity, i.e. the capacity to adapt and recover from a pathological condition. Part of the institute’s activities explore neuronal plasticity, and make use of this feature to develop innovative treatments.