Vincent Fugère is investigating the synaptogenic role of the thrombospondins gene family (TSP1, TSP2 and TSP3) in the Xenopus tadpole retinotectal circuit. In vitro studies have shown that TSP1 and TSP2 have strong synapse-promoting properties (Christopherson et al., 2005). Using a plasmid electroporation/in vivo imaging paradigm, Vincent examines the consequences of thrombospondin over-expression on synapse density and localization. Measures of branch dynamics are also collected, such that hypotheses regarding the effects of thrombospondins on branch outgrowth/retraction can be tested.