We are interested in understanding how the synaptic connections in the nervous system are genetically encoded.

Based on our EM reconstructions of synaptic connectivity in the nematode C. elegans, we determine expression of neural cell adhesion genes (cell labels) in defined neural networks; computationally examine correlation of cell adhesion protein expression with connectivity; examine the effects of mutations in neural cell adhesion genes on axon pathfinding, neurite process placement, and synapse formation; study interactions of cells expressing nematode proteins on their cell surface.