Lab
Jusuf Lab
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Statement of Research Interest
Our group is interested in understanding the genetic networks that co-ordinate the generation of different types of neurons in the central nervous system of vertebrates. We use zebrafish as a model and focus on neural specification in the retina in the eye, which has a relatively simpler organisation compared to other CNS regions.
Zebrafish grow quickly and are optically transparent, allowing us to track individual cells in the forming embryo. By visualising gene expression with fluorescent reporter protein, we can study how timing and interactions of genes within developing progenitors influence what types of neurons they can generate. We can also assess the consequences of gene manipulations including those that mimic human disorders as well as study how and why the zebrafish are able to completely regenerate neurons and neural function after injury in adults.
Zebrafish grow quickly and are optically transparent, allowing us to track individual cells in the forming embryo. By visualising gene expression with fluorescent reporter protein, we can study how timing and interactions of genes within developing progenitors influence what types of neurons they can generate. We can also assess the consequences of gene manipulations including those that mimic human disorders as well as study how and why the zebrafish are able to completely regenerate neurons and neural function after injury in adults.
Lab Members
| Caceres Valez, Paolin Post-Doc | Krylov, Aaron Graduate Student | Lawler, Clancy Graduate Student |
| Veen, Kellie Graduate Student | Wallace, Lachlan Graduate Student | Xie, Jiaheng Graduate Student |