Dscam and the role in the specification of neural networks.

The ultimate goal of neuroscience is to understand the principles, which organize complex neuronal circuits (with billions of neurons and synapses) and thereby decipher how they process information and guide behavior. The specificity of neuronal connectivity is the key determinant underlying simple reflexes and higher functions such as cognition. Development of wiring specificity depends on the precision of coordinated molecular interactions involving thousands of proteins. Much of these molecular mechanisms are still only poorly understood. 

Our work has lead to the discovery that tens of thousand of immunoglobulin-like receptor variants (isoforms) are produced by a single "Dscam" gene and that Dscam isoforms are essential for proper brain wiring in the model organism Drosophila. A new concept has emerged from this work revealing that one form of molecular specificity of Dscam corresponds with the ability of neurons for "self-recognition", which is a prerequisite for the proper choice of forming connections with other neurons. 

However, important mechanisms of the molecular function of Dscam receptors are still unknown. It is the goal of this project to improve our understanding of how neural circuits form, and how molecular protein diversity is utilized for generating enough information for the formation of complicated neuronal circuits.