Our research aims to understand the formation of the cerebral cortex, the seat of all higher cognitive functions unique to humans. Fulfilling these functions requires dozens of different types of neurons which are generated from neural stem cells during embryonic development. To produce all these neurons in correct numbers involves extensive communication between stem cells and their environment. Using mouse mutants and human organoid models we investigate how generating neuron subtypes in the cortex is controlled at the molecular and cellular level. Our findings will have implications for understanding the causes of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.

https://www.ed.ac.uk/discovery-brain-sciences/our-staff/research-groups/thomas-theil