We are keen to determine the cellular complexity of the brain, to elucidate how numerous distinct neurons can derive from a limited number of progenitors, and to possibly reengineer the brain for understanding its structure, function and evolution.
We use Drosophila as a genetic model system for studying the development of a complex brain. The fly cerebrum has numerous distinct neurons arising from a limited number of neural progenitors. We aim to describe each cellular lineage from the progenitor neuroblast (NB) to the individual mature neurons. We will further determine the gene regulatory networks that underlie the development of various neuronal lineages. Uncovering the lineages’ similarities and differences at both cellular and molecular levels should reveal the genetic principles of fly brain development and evolution.