Research Research Projects / Models

LEO’s methodological principles [see Methodology] are applied in the context of three main research topics:

BRAIN ASYMMETRY
	Despite the relevance of asymmetry in normal and affected brain function, the mechanism by which it is established during ontogeny has been largely elusive. We use the teleost Parapineal-Habenula-Interpeduncular (Pp-Hb-IPN) circuit to study the genetic and morphogenetic mechanisms that control the development of brain asymmetry in vertebrates. [more]
CELL MORPHODYNAMICS
	The dynamic transformation of the embryo from an amorph mass of cells into an ordered shaped body requires the coordinated activity of individual cells and cell groups. We use different cellular models in zebrafish and annual fish to address the ontogenic mechanisms of individual and collective cell reorganisation during development and organogenesis, with a special focus on the role of mechanics.
BIOMED
	We use zebrafish and annual killifish to develop models of neurodegeneration, in particular in the context of Parkinson Disease. We focused on models that address the origin of non-motor symptoms. Also, we are establishing the African turquoise killifish in our lab to study aspects of aging of the brain.