Developmental Neuroscience at Otago

Laboratory of

Developmental Neuroendocrinology

Neurites get a kiss: Explant of E15.5 basal forebrain showing TuJ1 neurites (red) and GnRH neurons (green) following treatment with Kisspeptin.

Principal Investigator:
Dr Christine L. Jasoni, Department of Anatomy & Structural Biology

Scientific aims:
The focus of our research is on discovering how the maternal environment during pregnancy affects the formation of the fetal brain. With conditions such as obesity and diabetes on the rise in Western society, it is critical that we fully understand the health implications of these disorders for future generations. We seek: 1) to discover epigenetic changes in the brains of the offspring of obese or diabetic mothers; 2) to establish specifically how these changes bring about altered development of axon tracts in the offspring forebrain.

Description of research:
We use an array of techniques including molecular & cellular biology, mouse genetic models, live cell imaging, and bioinformatics to address our scientific questions. In addition, we have active collaborations with laboratories in the Centre for Neuroendocrinology, the National Research Centre for Growth and Development (one of the 7 national Centres of Research Excellence), as well as overseas collaborations. This collaborative research creates a vibrant, intellectually invigorating environment in which to conduct cutting-edge science that is internationally recognized and will benefit health outcomes in New Zealand and the world.