To develop from an undifferentiated, uniformly looking cell to a highly polarized and unique cell type adopting a distinct position within the central nervous system with particular connections to maybe thousands of different neurons is a challenging task which each neuron of the nervous system has to perform. We are interested in unraveling molecular players which orchestrate this highly specific but also dynamic neuronal network.

To do this we use various cell culture models and transgenic mice. This research allowed us to find new perspectives about how alterations in neuronal networking cause mental or behavioral deficits which are frequently accompanying conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.