Untangling the complex relationship between mechanics, patterning, and metabolism during early human brain development

• Applicant: Dr. Sven Falk
• Subject Area: Developmental Neurobiology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 565201020

During neurodevelopment neural stem and progenitor cells (NPCs) give rise to a spatially patterned tissue in which a regionally differentially regulated balance between proliferation and differentiation produces the fine-tuned number of neurons and macroglia necessary for a functional central nervous system. The cells driving these highly intricated developmental processes of patterning, growth and differentiation are constantly exposed to a mechanical environment that is however variable between different brain regions. We previously found that the mechanical properties the developing tissue is exposed not only steer lineage decisions of NPCs but also influences the regional identity of the tissue resident cells as well as their cellular metabolism. In this proposal we aim at dissentangling this interwoven process on a molecular level and study their functional implication during early human brain development.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants