Wiring up the nervous system: how do axons detect molecular gradients?

Abstract:: Proper brain function relies on the correct wiring of connections between neurons. Nerve fibres often navigate through the developing nervous system to find appropriate targets by following molecular gradients. However how they actually detect these gradients is still largely unknown. This project aims to discover the mechanisms nerve fibres use to detect gradients, by an integrated program of computational modelling combined with experiments using a novel biomedical engineering technology we have developed.
Grant type:: ARC Discovery Projects
Funded by:: Australian Research Council