9600974 Naegele Understanding the cellular and molecular processes that lead to the formation of precise connections in the nervous system is one of the major tasks of neuroscience. This proposal is directed to one key aspect of the general problem: the role of neuronal activity, competition and cell-cell competition in the embryonic brain. Remodelling of the initial connections made in the embryo is an important part of the process by which the functioning brain circuits are refined during development. Few studies have addressed the role of the immune system in these processes. This proposal seeks to explore the role of special cells, the microglia that typically act as scavengers , attacking diseased or damaged cells. The working hypothesis for this proposal is that the microglia and associated immune system molecules may play a part in the refinement of neural connections during development. This research program, as a Career award, will involve undergraduate participation in the laboratory.
