The main research goal of our laboratory is to understand the mechanisms controlling the development of the central nervous system, with an emphasis on the questions of how the identity of neural cell types is specified and how neurons establish their connections with each other during normal development. We combine several molecular and cellular approaches, including mouse genetics, in vitro assays, genomics, developmental neuroanatomy, and embryonic stem cells. We attempt to use our knowledge on brain development to direct differentiation of embryonic stem cells, which would facilitate our search for new or improved strategies for brain disease.

Research in the lab is supported by grants from the National Institute of Health, Connecticut Department of Public Health (Stem Cell Research Program), March of Dimes, and Pfizer, Inc.