Genetic Dissection of neural circuit assembly and function.

Dr. Goodrich's lab studies the cellular and molecular basis of neural circuit assembly. Their overarching goal is to understand how specific types of neurons acquire the properties needed for their unique functions. Their work will advance the understanding of intellectual and developmental disabilities by elucidating how neurons initially form their connections and how these connections are altered in various pathological situations. For instance, much of their work focuses on development of the primary sensory neurons of the auditory system, which are the target for cochlear implants. Additionally, they have identified a molecular system that coordinates multiple features of neuronal development and has been associated with bipolar disease in humans. Finally, they are studying a broadly active and potent signaling molecule, Netrin-1, with the goal of figuring out how this versatile molecules mediates distinct functions depending on when and where it is expressed. Together, these projects will identify common mechanisms of neural circuit assembly that might be affected by a broad range of intellectual or developmental disorders, as well as specific mechanisms of visual and auditory circuit assembly that might be affected by congenital deafness and blindness.