There are two major classes of neuron in the nervous system: excitatory and inhibitory. This project will examine the mechanisms that generate the correct balance between the numbers of these two types of neuron in the cerebral cortex.
In this research, David and his team aim to provide new knowledge about the ways in which the brain develops, specifically how the cerebral cortex develops a correct balance of its two major cell types, inhibitory and excitatory, and the capacity of cortical neurons to reprogram their development when perturbed genetically.
The research proposed here is fundamental but does have the potential to impact on clinical matters, since there are significant numbers of humans with mutations of the gene at the centre of the study, Pax6.
Related links
Prof David Price's research profile