Archives: Carla Gomes da Silva

Gomes da Silva lab

Dynamics of cell migration and neural circuit formation

The developing brain is a busy highway. Many cell populations leave their birthplaces to reach their final destination and form different areas and brain regions. This is possible because neurons and glial cells have the ability to move. Neural migration is a highly heterogeneous process. There are fast cells, slow cells, different cells prefer to move in distinct paths and distinct cell populations move at different times. It is fascinating how distinct cell populations organize on the way in this complex and changing environment. We study the dynamics of cell migration in the brain during development in health and disease. We aim at understanding how the pattern of migration and the interactions that migrating cells establish during migration shape the formation of cortical and hippocampal circuits.

Research lines

Neurons and glial cells are generated in microenvironments containing morphogens necessary to their specification. After being generated, several cell populations perform extensive migration to final destinations where they will be integrated into functional circuits. Defects in neuronal migration can underlie developmental brain diseases such as autism or schizophrenia. In the last years, several research groups have identified the path of migration of several types of neurons and have identified several molecular cues attracting neurons to their final locations. What is less understood is how the pattern of migration of individual cells defines how the cell population integrates in specific circuits. In my lab we are establishing several research lines. We are particularly interested in the migration pattern of interneurons and early-generated oligodendrocyte precursor cells.

cell migration in vitro

Interneuron migration diversity

Interneurons display diversity in their migration parameters. Some are fast runners while others are slow walkers. What underlies this diversity? It is related to their subtype or age of birth? Will fast runners be integrated into cortical or hippocampal circuits before slow walkers? What happens if we change the migration speed of fast runners? Does it affect the formation of cortical or hippocampal circuits?

How is migration coordinated with the timing of neurogenesis

There is growing evidence suggesting that specific behaviours depend on the activity of interneurons that were born at specific embryonic periods. After generation, interneurons start migrating towards cortical regions. How is migration backing up the timing of neurogenesis? How is the neurogenesis timing shaping the recruitment of interneurons into specific circuits?

Neuronal migration in disease

How do mutations/chromosomal abnormalities affect neuronal migration? Are defects in neuronal migration directly related circuit dysfunction described in autism or schizophrenia? Can we revert defects in interneuron migration? Does it minimize defects in cortical or hippocampal circuits?

Intercellular interactions during migration

How do mutations/chromosomal abnormalities affect neuronal migration? Are defects in neuronal migration directly related circuit dysfunction described in autism or schizophrenia? Can we revert defects in interneuron migration? Does it minimize defects in cortical or hippocampal circuits?

Group members