The aim of our research is to understand the cellular/molecular mechanisms by which neural stem cells give rise to neurons and glial cells, and neurons migrate and mature in the developing brain.
When the mechanisms described above are disrupted, brain developmental abnormalities occurs. For example, in Down syndrome, which is caused by 21 trisomy, neurodevelopmental processes are impaired, leading to microcephaly. Now, we focus on Down syndrome and investigate the molecular and cellular events occurring during the development of the Down syndrome brain.
Furthermore, we aim to understand the neuroprotective mechanisms that neurons possess, and by activating these protective mechanisms, we seek to delay or prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).