Brain cells communicate via connections called synapses. Formation of synapses during early life underlies the development of the brain circuitry required for normal behaviour, learning and memory.  A large number of genes encode molecules that are expressed specifically at synapses and genetic studies have shown that mutations in these genes cause conditions such as autism and intellectual disabilities. I study how mutations in these genes alter the function of synapses in the developing brain and how this alters the development of brain circuits.

http://www.ed.ac.uk/integrative-physiology/staff-profiles/research-groups/michael-daw