The role of synapse development in cognitive disorder

Loss of synapses and aberrant connection between neurons affects the functioning of the brain. My aim is to
characterise molecular processes involved in synapse development that provide insight into the aetiology of
cognitive disorder. Mutations in neurexin and neuroligin molecules head a list of causative genetic factors
involved in the pathogenesis of autism and schizophrenia. I use insect models and genomic analyses to
characterise molecules with regard to two cognitive processes fundamental to healthy brain function:
sensory response and learning and memory. This project provides a generalised biological template that will
help us understand how synaptic molecules contribute to behaviours that underlie cognitive disorder
endophenotypes.