Neuronal identity and numbers in the development of neocortical activity

The cerebral cortex is a region of the brain that controls complex functions like sensory perception, motor behaviours and cognition via highly organized neuronal circuits. These circuits develop during embryonic and early postnatal life and defects in their formation have been associated with medical conditions such as autism and schizophrenia. Consequently, understanding how cortical circuits develop and how disruption of this process may lead to disease are key questions in neuroscience and mental health. Using several genetic mouse models and state of the art techniques for monitoring brain activity, I will investigate how the final number of different types of neurons in the cerebral cortex contribute to the progressive emergence of functional cortical circuits. This project will provide key information to build a conceptual framework for the progressive assembly of cortical circuits and the aetiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.