A dendrite is a tree-like structure in neurons, which receives the incoming signal from adjacent neurons or from sensory stimuli. Dr. Yuh-Nung Jan is interested in understanding the molecular underpinnings that drive dendrite morphogenesis. His laboratory uses the fruit fly larvae as a model organism to study the development of dendritic arborization (da) neurons. Using these neurons, Jan and others have shown that the combinatorial expression of different transcription factors, such as Cut, as well as the interactions between dendrites and between dendrites and epithelial cells is what drives dendrite morphogenesis. In addition, Jan explains the role of Dscam isoforms in the regulation of dendrite-dendrite interactions for proper dendrite patterning.
View the full talk with additional resources on our website
Studying the Development of Dendrite Morphogenesis
Dr. Yuh-Nung Jan outlines the sequence of events that led to the understanding of the molecular underpinnings that drive dendrite morphogenesis. (Talk recorded in March 2018)
- Part 1: How Does a Neuron Develop its Neuronal Type Specific Dendritic Morphology?Audience:
- Student
- Researcher
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 38:56 - Part 2: Dendrite Morphology and Function: Cellular and Molecular Basis of Dendrite Audience:
- Researcher
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 35:07