Research Interests

Developmental neurobiology

Research Area

Our interest in the development of the nervous system stems from the relatively simple idea that we can better understand how the nervous system works if we can figure out how it is put together. Toward this end, we are studying the patterns formed by newly generated neurons and the formation of synapses between motor neurons and their target muscles. Both of these problems are being studied in the nervous system of the frog, Xenopus laevis. We use a number of cellular and molecular techniques to study the mechanisms underlying these two problems. The techniques range from molecular biology including the formation of transgenic animals to embryonic dissection, intracellular injection, immunocytochemistry and many different types of light microscopy. Thus, our strategy is to use a multidisciplinary approach to try and understand how neurons become organized and form functional connections between cells.

Current Members

Gandhi, Mitali (Principal Investigator/Director)
Heathcote (retired), R David (Principal Investigator/Director)

Contact

Institution: University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Address:
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
USA

Web Page: http://www.uwm.edu:80/people/rdh/