Jean-Marc Matter
Group name: Neurogenesis
Affiliations: Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry
Domains: Development and Plasticity
Keywords: gene expression, morphogenesis, regulatory factors, retina
Research activities
Linking the regulation of gene expression to ontogenesis remains a major issue in developmental neurobiology. We are interested in defining how the interplay between regulatory factors and key transcriptional targets coordinates the complex processes of neuron specification and morphogenesis of the retina. Although retina development relies on the whole on regulatory proteins widely expressed in the developing nervous system, Atoh7 expression is a specific feature of retina ontogenesis. We focus on the regulation and function of Atoh7 as a key determinant of the retina cell fate and as an important regulator of neuronal patterning. We ask how Atoh7 interconnects a cell fate decision with the genetic pathways that regulate cell cycle exit, cell polarity and cell migration.
Latest publications
Increased neuron density in the midbrain of a foveate bird, pigeon, results from profound change in tissue morphogenesis.
A transient decrease in mitochondrial activity contributes to establish the ganglion cell fate in retina adapted for high acuity vision.
Investigating Neurogenesis in Birds.
Delayed neurogenesis with respect to eye growth shapes the pigeon retina for high visual acuity.
Contact
Faculté des sciences
Université de Genève
Email: Jean-Marc.Matter@unige.ch