My laboratory takes cellular, molecular and genetic approaches to study mammalian forebrain development. In particular, we focus our attention on GABAergic interneurons of the cerebral cortex, which are key cellular targets in the pathogenesis of multiple neurodevelopmental disorders including schizophrenia and autism. Our goal is to identify molecular mechanisms that underlie the generation, migration, and differentiation of cortical interneurons, and provide insight into how disruptions in cortical development may result in neurological and psychiatric illnesses.

Techniques include:

• Mouse genetics/embryology
• Electroporation
• Organotypic tissue culture
• Primary neuronal cell culture
• Immunocytochemistry
• Molecular biology
• Biochemistry
• Confocal microscopy
• Live-cell imaging