Tonotopic innervation: connecting sensory cells in the ear to their central nervous system targets
1st Supervisor: Professor Andrea Streit
2nd Supervisor: Dr Robert Knight
Description of project
In the ear, sensory hair cells relay sound information to the central nervous system; they transform mechanical stimulation into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve. Along the cochlea, hair cells are sensitive to different frequencies and the neurons that innervate them replicate this pattern in the auditory nucleus of the brain. This tonotopic innervation is crucial for the brain to interpret incoming sound. How are these connections set up?
This project explores the molecular mechanisms that establish tonotopic innervation. First, the student will map the axonal projections using chick in vivo labelling and zebrafish transgenic lines. Second, s/he will identify the molecular cues that guide axons to their targets combining molecular approaches with life imaging techniques.
Duration of project: 4 years
Applications: open all year round
Contact for further information
Professor Andrea Streit
Email: andrea.streit@kcl.ac.uk
Research Topic: Craniofacial Development & Stem Cell Biology
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