The genetic control of brain development

Objective

Primary regional organisation of the vertebrate brain is specified by gene cascades, which reactivated during early embryogenesis. Identities of different brain regions are partly defined by gene families having similar functions in Drosophilae and vertebrates, indicating regulatory mechanisms that are strongly conserved in evolution. Despite fragmentary knowledge about different aspects of early neural development, there is not yet an integrated picture of the regulatory cascades which set-up the primary organisation of the brain. This is a central unsolved problem in the neurosciences. The proposed programme coordinates the complementary expertises of six specialist groups to elucidate mechanisms underlying development of different brain regions and determine how their construction is coordinated. We expect that these investigations will provide a solid basis for understanding how the brain is built and how its organisation is disturbed by genetic disease.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-9. - Neurosciences

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

NETHERLANDS INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY

Address

8,Uppsalalaan 8
3584 CT Utrecht
Netherlands

Participants (5)

INSTITUT PASTEUR

France

Address

25,Rue Du Docteur Roux 28
75724 Paris

MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN E.V.

Germany

Address

11,Am Fassberg 11
37077 Göttingen - Nikolausberg

MRC National Institute for Medical Research

United Kingdom

Address

The Ridgeway Mill Hil
NW7 1AA London

UNIVERSIDAD MIGUEL HERNANDEZ DE ELCHE

Spain

Address

Campus De San Juan - Ctra Alicante-valencia Km 8,7
03550 San Juan De Alicante

UNIVERSITA VITA-SALUTE SAN RAFFAELE

Italy

Address

Via Olgettina 58
20132 Milano