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The differences
between the right and left sides of the brain are widely known, such
as the localization of language functions
to the left cerebral hemisphere in most people. However, the developmental
processes in the brain responsible for left-right (L/R) asymmetry are
not well understood. The Gamse laboratory studies this question in
zebrafish because of the molecular, genetic, and embryological techniques
it
makes available.
The lab's attention is currently focused on the epithalamus, a brain
region that exhibits dramatic L/R asymmetry in many lower vertebrates.
Lab members have
identified three closely related genes that show asymmetric expression
in the epithalamus. Since their function is unknown, the Gamse lab
is performing functional knockdowns on these genes. Gamse lab members
have also performed a genetic screen
to identify brain asymmetry mutants. One mutant lacks asymmetric features
in the epithalamus, but laterality of the visceral organs (including
pancreas, gall bladder, and liver) is normal. Lab members
are working to determine the identity of this presumptive
brain-specific laterality
gene.
For
more information about Dr. Gamse visit his Vanderbilt
Faculty Page
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