What we do...

Ocular dominance bands in Xenopus tectum

We are studying the development of topographic maps in the brain with a special focus on the influence of neural activity and early experience on the morphology and connectivity of neurons.

Single tectal cell expressing EGFP (N.Schwartz)

Individual axonal and dendritic branches in the intact brain are constantly remodeling throughout development. Using in vivo time lapse two-photon imaging of single neurons in the retinotectal system of Xenopus tadpoles and the visual cortex of rodents, the laboratory is able to observe the development of CNS connections in the intact, living animal.

RGC axon in vivo expressing SYP-GFP+dsRED

Combining specific molecular and pharmacological manipulations with in vivo imaging is a powerful approach to unravelling the intracellular and intercellular signaling pathways involved in the formation and refinement of connections between brain regions.

In addition to studying these key events and molecular players in CNS development, the lab is also interested in developing novel imaging and electrophysiology techniques for the study of neuronal connectivity and intracellular signaling.