The human brain, built by billions of neurons and ten times more glial cells, interconnected in a network, is both fascinating and puzzling. The research interest of the group is focussed on molecular mechanisms for patterning and neurogenesis in developing and adult brain, with a recent emphasis on the cortex. The neocortex is a mammal-specific region of the cerebrum, acting as an integrative and executive center, which has a critical importance for the human health. The complex organization of the neocortex arises during development from astonishingly few original cells, the neural stem cells, through precisely controlled phases of cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and death.
Using the mouse as a model, we are applying a range of cell- and molecular biological, biochemical, neuroanatomical, genetic, and transgenic approaches to investigate how specific genetic programs regulate different aspects of mammalian corticogenesis in developing and adult brain. Specifically, the role of transcription factor Pax6 in these processes is addressed with a recent accent on Pax6-interacting protein partners and downstream-target genes that modulate its neurogenic function during development. We are furthermore interested to understand the involvement of Pax6 in generation, maintenance and function of progenitors/stem cells in few neurogenic niches of the normal and injured adult brain, an important issue in helping to devise replacement strategies for brain repair. In another topic of research we are studying the functional significance of the subunit composition of the chromatin remodeling complex SWI/SNF in cortical neurogenesis.
Group Leader
Anastassia Stoykova
Phone: +49 (551) 201-1710 or -1469
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