The focus of this grant is to illuminate a novel mechanism for dendritic spine pruning in the mammalian neocortex by immunoglobulin (Ig)-class cell adhesion molecules and secreted Semaphorins. The overall goal is to identify mechanisms that govern synaptic connectivity in the mammalian neocortex, and to elucidate how their deficiency contributes to abnormal brain wiring relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Dr. Paul Manis is a co-investigator of this project. New Neurobiology Curriculum graduate student Elliott Wyatt joined the Maness Lab and will be working on how Ankyrins modulate IgCAM function in spine pruning.
To learn more about the Maness Lab, click here.