Vertebrate brain formation during development and brain function depend on the specification of distinct cell types within a pool of progenitor cells and the coordinated control of cell proliferation to regulate regional growth. An important goal of developmental biology is to understand the molecular underpinnings behind these processes.
Our lab uses the zebrafish and annual killifish to understand the link between cell signaling, brain patterning and brain function in the embryo and also adult. Specifically, we are dissecting how the Wnt signal transduction pathway regulates patterning and growth within a portion of the brain called "mes/r1", aka the midbrain (mesencephalon) and anterior hindbrain (r1). Thank you for visiting our site! Have a look at a summary of our research, meet our people, or holler at us (Texan for "contact us"!).
New News!
Olympics Fever! Lekven Lab Olympics Competitions are under way! Click here!
After ~5 years, I finally updated the website! Still a work in progress.