Development of the cerebral cortex requires highly organized operations including extension of neuronal processes and establishment of mature neuron-neuron contacts. Disruption to these operations are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms through which these processes are regulated is
crucial to the development of therapeutic interventions. My research uses mice to identify how the g-Protocadherins, a family of 22 cell-adhesion molecules, promote formation of dendritic arbors and synapses to ensure effective cortical development.