Current research in the lab addresses two fundamental questions: How is genetic information converted into neural circuits and behaviour? How are these processes affected in disorders of the brain? To address these questions in a systematic way in vivo, we are using the fruitfly Drosophila as a model system and investigate how neural lineages form neural circuit elements mediating adaptive motor behaviour. We currently focus on neural circuits of the central complex, including inhibitory GABAergic and modulatory dopaminergic circuits, and use neurogenetic as well as thermogenetic manipulations to study how these circuitries coordinate the selection and maintenance of behavioural actions driven by internal and external cues, such as temperature and dietary restriction. We apply our insights into neural circuit formation and motor control to investigate pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative movement disorders, including Parkinson's and Motor Neurone Disease, as well as Fronto-temporal Dementia. Specifically, we are investigating how mitochondrial dysfunction, deregulated TDP-43 and C9-related hexanucleotide repeat expansion cause age and cell type specific neurodegeneration.

Evolution, development, and disease of the brain