Establishing the appropriate connectivity is a fundamental process during brain development, essential for normal brain function and behaviour. We are interested in the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control the formation of circuits during development, including synapse formation and specificity and the processes underlying the plasticity of such connections, particularly in the visual system. 

Using zebrafish, we validate candidate risk genes associated with different disorders, including major depressive disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, identified through genome-wide association studies. 

Major techniques in the lab include state-of-the-art genome editing, in vivo structural and functional brain imaging, biochemical assessments, and a variety of animal behaviour paradigms relevant to the individual disorders or sensory function. Finally, zebrafish high-throughput approaches allow small-molecule or general pharmacological screens aimed at identifying compounds to develop novel therapeutic strategies.