Understand the fundamental molecular mechanisms that guide the formation and maintenance of the nervous system using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model system
Use of the genetic technique called MARCM (Mosaic Analysis with a Repressive Cell Marker) (Lee and Luo, 1999) to manipulate gene expression in a single neuron or a subset of neurons within the developing brains and to examine neuronal morphology at the certain developmental stages
Study the functions and signaling pathways of Drosophila Dscam (Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule)
Understanding the biological significance of this tremendous molecular diversity, to continue the systemic, genome-wide mosaic screens for genes underlying different aspects of neuronal development