Developmental Neurobiology and Pathologies

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of different conditions in which the development of the central nervous system is disturbed. This includes developmental brain dysfunction, which can manifest as neuropsychiatric problems (Autism Spectrum Disorders, schizophrenia, fragile-X syndrome, down syndrome), or impaired motor function, learning, language or non-verbal communication. The generation of the appropriate diversity of neural cell types, their migration to correct sites in the brain and the establishment of precise connectivity with target cells are key developmental processes that may go awry, leading to brain dysfunction and neurological diseases.

During this advanced 3-week course, we will provide participants with a comprehensive theoretical and experimental/practical training on the most advanced methodologies and models in developmental neurobiology, in health and disease. World experts (both seniors and juniors) in the field of neural stem cells, brain patterning, neuronal migration, axon guidance or the genetics of human neurodevelopmental disorders will give stimulating lectures and design mini-projects to be carried out by the students.

This will give students a unique opportunity to become familiar with cutting-edge in vivo gene manipulation methods (electroporation, Crispr/Cas9, genetics…), 3D imaging technologies (SPIM and light sheet microscopy, tissue clearing, two-photon imaging…), time-lapse microscopy and cell tracking, advanced pluripotent stem cell culture (iPSCs, cortical progenitors and neurons derived thereof, organoids, organotypics…).