Elizabeth A Grove

We explore 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 newly identified signaling centers and examining the roles in mouse cortical development of the Wnt (Wingless/Int), Bmp (Bone Morphogenetic Protein) and FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) families of signaling proteins. We use both gene targeting and a novel method of gene transfer in living mouse embryos to identify molecular mechanisms that generate the cortical area map. Projects also involve directed searches for novel genes involved in neocortical and hippocampal development. Comparative studies of cortical development are planned to gain insight into how cortex is assembled in different species, and how cortical organization may have evolved.

We explore 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 newly identified signaling centers and examining the roles in mouse cortical development of the Wnt (Wingless/Int), Bmp (Bone Morphogenetic Protein) and FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) families of signaling proteins. We use both gene targeting and a novel method of gene transfer in living mouse embryos to identify molecular mechanisms that generate the cortical area map. Projects also involve directed searches for novel genes involved in neocortical and...

Grove EA. (2008). Turning neurons into a nervous system. Development. 2008 Jul;135(13):2203-6.  

Grove EA. (2008). Organizing the source of memory. Neuroscience Science. 2008 Jan 18;319(5861):288-9. No abstract available.  

Rash BG, Grove EA. (2007). Patterning the dorsal telencephalon: a role for sonic hedgehog? J Neurosci. 2007 Oct 24;27(43):11595-603.  

Louvi A, Yoshida M, Grove EA. (2007). The derivatives of the Wnt3a lineage in the central nervous system. J Comp Neurol. 2007 Oct 10;504(5):550-69  

Rash BG, Grove EA. (2006). Area and layer patterning in the developing cerebral cortex. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2006 Feb;16(1):25-34.  

Yoshida M, Assimacopoulos S, Jones KR, Grove EA. (2006). Massive loss of Cajal-Retzius cells does not disrupt neocortical layer order. Development. 2006 Feb;133(3):537-45.  

Grove EA. (2005). Local axon guidance in cerebral cortex and thalamus: are we there yet? Neuron. 2005 Nov 23;48(4):522-4.  

Shimogori, T. and Grove, E,A. (2005) Fibroblast growth factor 8 regulates neocortical guidance of area-specific thalamic innervation. J Neurosci. 25:6550-60. 

Grove EA. (2008). Turning neurons into a nervous system. Development. 2008 Jul;135(13):2203-6.  

Grove EA. (2008). Organizing the source of memory. Neuroscience Science. 2008 Jan 18;319(5861):288-9. No abstract available.  

Rash BG, Grove EA. (2007). Patterning the dorsal telencephalon: a role for sonic hedgehog? J Neurosci. 2007 Oct 24;27(43):11595-603.  

Louvi A, Yoshida M, Grove EA. (2007). The derivatives of the Wnt3a lineage in the central nervous system. J Comp Neurol. 2007 Oct 10;504(5):550-69  

Rash BG, Grove EA. (2006). Area and layer patterning in the developing cerebral cortex. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2006 Feb;16(1):25-34.