Tumour necrosis factor superfamily forward and reverse signalling in neural development

Professor Davies studies the molecular mechanisms that govern the survival of neurons and the growth of neuronal processes (axons and dendrites) during development. His team has recently discovered that members of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) family of extracellular signalling proteins play important roles in regulating axon growth. Professor Davies plans to study how different TNF proteins orchestrate the establishment of patterns of neural connectivity during development, and to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying this. The results of Professor Davies's work will further our understanding of how the nervous system is wired up, and may shed light on what goes awry in certain neurodevelopmental disorders.