The Grove laboratory explores the mechanisms that regulate pattern formation and growth in the vertebrate forebrain. We focus on the development of the mammalian cerebral cortex, the part of the brain that controls higher functions. Cerebral cortex is divided into many functional areas, and this organization is fundamental to how the cortex works in the mature animal. We are testing a new model of how the cortical area map is generated. In this model signaling molecules released from discrete centers in and near the embryonic cortex provide early positional information and exert regional growth control. These signals set up developmental domains in the cortex that are characterized by the expression of specific transcription factors. By regulating expression of other genes, these transcription factors control further area specification and growth. To test this model we are investigating the roles in cortical development of the Wnt (Wingless/Int), Bmp (Bone Morphogenetic Protein) and FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) families of signaling proteins.

An issue related to diabetes research is becoming central to our current work. We are interested in a fate decision, made by a particular part of the cortical neuroepithelium, to generate neither neurons nor glial cells – as usual – but rather to generate the secretory epithelial cells of the telencephalic choroid plexus. The precursors of these cells strongly express insulin-related growth factor II, and we are testing the hypothesis that the insulin signaling pathway regulates the fate, differentiation and growth of the choroid plexus, a structure critical for viability of the organism.