Reprogramming neurons for nervous system repair

The brain is one of the most complex biological systems and consists of billions of neurons that possess very diverse morphologies, neurotransmitter identities, electrical properties and preferences for synaptic partners. Understanding how neuronal fates are specified is important to our understanding of neuronal development and neural dysfunction. Dr Southall aims to identify the transcription factors that attribute neurons with particular neurotransmitter identities, and to study whether these transcription factors are able to reprogramme neurotransmitter identity in vivo. Using Drosophila as a model organism, Dr Southall will use a novel technique that allows specific neuronal populations to be profiled with ease, with the aim of identifying the major transcription factors involved in specifying different neuronal properties and reprogramming properties in vivo.