Bin Chen, MCD Biology

The cerebral cortex is the seat of our highest cognitive and perceptual function. It has been estimated that there are hundreds of different neuronal cell types in the cerebral cortex. The proper generation of these different neuronal types and the formation of their appropriate connections is essential for brain function. However, not much is known about how genes regulate the generation of these different types of neurons and the connections between them. Research in the Chen lab is aimed at identifying different transcription factors and signaling pathways critical for the development of cerebral cortex. Using mouse as a model system and a combination of gene knockouts, mis-expression experiments, neuronal tracings and cell culture experiments to explore these areas.(Keywords: developmental biology, neurobiology, stem cell biology, neurodegenerative disease)