The nervous system enables organisms to interact with their environment and regulates essential bodily functions. Understanding how functional groups of neurons develop, process external information, guide behavior, and respond to challenges such as injury or disease to maintain health remains a major scientific goal. The Neuroscience Interest Group (NIG) conducts interdisciplinary research to address these questions using diverse model organisms—mice, zebrafish, and Drosophila—and a broad set of tools, including genetic, imaging, and electrophysiological techniques. Our work focuses on how neural stem cells function, how various neuronal and glial cell types are generated and sustained, and how neural circuits form through axon and dendrite organization. We explore the molecular mechanisms shaping specialized nervous system regions and investigate neural networks involved in sensory processing (e.g., olfaction and vision), behavior, and vital processes such as sleep and appetite regulation. Additionally, we study the interplay between the nervous and immune systems in maintaining homeostasis and defense. These efforts contribute to a deeper understanding of the biological basis of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases and support the development of new therapeutic approaches.
