Brian Chen, McGill University
Assistant Professor
Neurology & Neurosurgery
Montreal, Quebec
brian.chen@mcgill.ca
Mobile:
(514) 618-4743
Bio/Research
My search focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of how neural circuits wire up with precision. One of the central puzzles in neuroscience is how a neuron chooses the correct synaptic contacts during development when faced with tens of thousands of potential targets. To uncover the diff...
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Bio/Research
My search focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of how neural circuits wire up with precision. One of the central puzzles in neuroscience is how a neuron chooses the correct synaptic contacts during development when faced with tens of thousands of potential targets. To uncover the different molecules and strategies neurons use to self-assemble into a neural circuit, my lab combines high-resolution imaging techniques with advanced molecular genetics in different model systems to look inside living animals while their neurons form synapses. My research uses invertebrate organisms to identify underlying genetic mechanisms of neural wiring, and vertebrates to investigate the common molecular rules that may be used to wire up the human bra
One molecule that may be involved in this wiring decision process is Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (Dscam). Dscam is a surface receptor in the immunoglobulin superfamily that has been shown to have conserved functions in neural circuit formation across invertebrates to mammals. These functions include axon guidance, dendritic branching, and synaptic targeting (reviewed in Schmucker and Chen, 2009). The human DSCAM gene is located on chromosome 21 in the Down Syndrome Critical Region and has been implicated in several aspects of Down Syndrome phenotypes. Thus far there is little direct evidence that DSCAM is involved in the abnormal neural development in Down Syndrome individuals.
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One molecule that may be involved in this wiring decision process is Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (Dscam). Dscam is a surface receptor in the immunoglobulin superfamily that has been shown to have conserved functions in neural circuit formation across invertebrates to mammals. These functions include axon guidance, dendritic branching, and synaptic targeting (reviewed in Schmucker and Chen, 2009). The human DSCAM gene is located on chromosome 21 in the Down Syndrome Critical Region and has been implicated in several aspects of Down Syndrome phenotypes. Thus far there is little direct evidence that DSCAM is involved in the abnormal neural development in Down Syndrome individuals.
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