Rodrigo Suarez

Evolution and development of brain wiring genes in marsupials and placentals.

How does the brain acquire its connectivity pattern during development? What developmental features have been key to the generation of evolutionary diversity of brain architecture in mammals and other vertebrates? By studying comparative development of the cerebral cortex in selected species we aim to gain insights not only on the natural history of the human brain, but also on neurodevelopmental diseases that affect neocortical circuits such as autism and schizophrenia.

This project aims at elucidating the molecular evolution of genes involved in mammalian brain development. By comparing transcriptomic, cellular and developmental differences between mice and marsupials this project will shed light on the evolution of the largest tract in the brain: the corpus callosum. Highly motivated students with strengths in genetics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, developmental neurobiology, physiology and/or brain anatomy are encouraged to apply.

Role of early neuronal activity on the formation of neocortical circuits

How does the brain acquire its connectivity pattern during development? What developmental features have been key to the generation of evolutionary diversity of brain architecture in mammals and other vertebrates? By studying comparative development of the cerebral cortex in selected species we aim to gain insights not only on the natural history of the human brain, but also on neurodevelopmental diseases that affect neocortical circuits such as autism and schizophrenia.

This project aims at elucidating the main roles of early sensory and spontaneous activity in the formation of neocortical layers, areas and circuits. By combining molecular, electrical and developmental manipulations in developing mammalian embryos and pups, this project will study how early events affect the precise formation of cortical features required for normal cognitive development. Highly motivated students with strengths in developmental neurobiology, neurophysiology, animal behaviour, signal analysis and/or computational sciences are encouraged to apply.

Multiple projects in comparative and developmental neuroscience

How does the brain acquire its connectivity pattern during development? What developmental features have been key to the generation of evolutionary diversity of brain architecture in mammals and other vertebrates? By studying comparative development of the cerebral cortex in selected species we aim to gain insights not only on the natural history of the human brain, but also on neurodevelopmental diseases that affect neocortical circuits such as autism and schizophrenia.

Highly motivated students with a strong scientific formation and original ideas on the evolution and development of the nervous system are particularly encouraged to apply for a RHD student scholarship.

Systems neuroscience approaches to the developing neocortex

Brain halves become wired during development following molecular and neural activity-dependent rules of symmetry. Using advanced methods in high-throughput gene expression analyses, live imaging of neural activity, and connectivity mapping in a marsupial model of early brain patterning, this ARC Future Fellowship aims to unravel new generative principles of mammalian brain circuit formation. Expected outcomes include innovative ways to manipulate brain wiring, and to functionally link mechanistic knowledge of complex trait formation across levels of biological organisation.