What are the underlying principles of the regulation and expression of neuron type-specific genes in the vertebrate brain? We are interested in mapping the regulatory mechanisms converging on the cell type specific features (such as the neurotransmitter identity) in early neuronal precursors.
Combining transgenic mouse models with the genome-wide molecular profiling methods facilitates understanding molecular identity of cell types, mapping the key players of diversification events in neuronal precursors, and testing regulatory mechanisms.
We are open to collaborations to explore functional aspects as well as evolutionary origin of cell types underlying instinctive and innate behaviors.