How does the epigenome control gene expression to transition  progenitor cells into mature functional neurons? 

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Research topic 1: Epigenome control of FGF8 transcription

In humans, FGF8 mutations cause Kallmann syndrome. Patients are infertile without clinical intervention. The absence of puberty onset, and hence infertility is often also associated with depression and anxiety. 

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We focus on the following goals:

1. Identify which epigenetic modifiers are essential for FGF8 transcription

2. Identify how specific epigenetic modifiers are recruited to the FGF8 promoter

3. Determine how these modifiers change chromatin and histone architecture

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Research topic 2: FGF8 determines cell maturation and function

FGF8 function is important for controlling the stress axis. We explore this idea to identify the molecular and cellular underpinnings that allows FGF8 to affect physiology and homeostasis. 

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FGF8 also controls astrocyte reactivity in response to demyelination suggesting that FGF8's importance in demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. 

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Taken together, we conclude that FGF8 deficits can have far-reaching consequences on not just early brain development, but also on adult brain function. 

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We focus on the following goals:

1. Identify which intracellular factors mediate FGF8 function during stress

2. Identify how FGF8 controls the expression of genes that mediate stress