Our Mission; Our History

Mission
The goal of our research is to elucidate fundamental mechanisms that regulate development of the forebrain, with a focus on the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. Our studies also extend into other regions of the embryo, including the developing face. Whenever possible, we attempt to investigate whether disruption of these mechanisms underlie human disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, mental retardation, epilepsy and craniofacial disorders. We hope that our studies provide insights into new inroads for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of these disorders.

History
Our research group began at Stanford in 1988 to study genetic mechanisms of forebrain development. It was during this period that we discovered Dlx2 (Tes1). In 1991, the lab moved to UCSF, where it has remained. Shortly thereafter, the Nina Ireland Endowment created a new laboratory facility, first in Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute, and then in Rock Hall at the Mission Bay campus.