Human Brain Development
Human Brain Development
Our lab studies how our brain develops.
This process is highly regulated and any mistake can result in brain disorders such as intellectual disability and autism.
We study the mechanisms that underlie human brain development and explore dysregulation that causes neurodevelopmental disorders.
Our research combines computational genomics, single-cell analysis, and experimental approaches in brain organoids.
Research
Human brain development at the single cell resolution
Using a high-resolution cell atlas generated through single cell RNA-seq, we gain unprecedented insights into the diverse cell types and lineages that emerge during the first trimester of human brain development. By applying advanced computational tools, we identify specific cell types and regions associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, uncovering critical links between early developmental processes and disease.
Human brain organoids to study neurodevelopmental disorders
Brain organoids provide a powerful model for investigating human brain development. We use brain organoids to study the effects of genetic mutations on brain development, allowing us to explore how specific genetic alterations contribute to the onset and progression of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Alternative splicing as an important regulation during brain development
A central theme in our work is alternative splicing, a highly regulated molecular mechanism that enables a single gene to produce multiple protein variants. This process is especially dynamic and essential during brain development, where precise control over gene expression is critical for neuronal identity, connectivity, and function. Disruptions in alternative splicing have been increasingly implicated in a range of neurodevelopmental conditions, and our lab is committed to understanding these links at a fundamental level.