Prof. Dr. Esther Stoeckli

 

Main Goals, Keywords

We analyze molecular mechanisms underlying neural circuit formation with a focus on axon guidance.

Development of the vertebrate nervous system; axon guidance; spinal cord development; analysis of gene function in vivo by in ovo and ex ovo RNAi (RNA interference); developmental diseases.

Group Members

1 professor, 4 research associates, 1 external research associate, 4 PhD students, 1 research assistant, MSc student(s), 1 technician

Previous and Current Research

The correct wiring of the nervous system is crucial for its function as an information-processing network. The molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment of neural circuits are the focus of our research. We use in vivo assays to study the role of guidance cues in the developing nervous system, predominantly in the spinal cord but also in the cerebellum. For example, RNAi as a method to silence genes in a temporally and spatially controlled manner allowed us to study the role of morphogens in neural circuit formation.

Techniques and Equipment

• In vivo assays to study gene function in the developing nervous system
• In vitro assays using cell and explant/slice cultures
• Routine techniques in molecular biology and immunohistochemistry

Selected Publications

• Philipp M, Niederkofler V, Debrunner M, Alther T, Kunz B, Stoeckli ET. RabGDI controls axonal midline crossing by regulating Robo1 surface expression. Neural Dev. 2012 Nov 9;7:36. doi: 10.1186/1749-8104-7-36.
• Wilson NH, Stoeckli ET. In ovo electroporation of miRNA-based plasmids in the developing neural tube and assessment of phenotypes by DiI injection in open-book preparations. J Vis Exp. 2012 Oct 16;(68). doi:pii: 4384. 10.3791/4384.
• Stoeckli ET. What does the developing brain tell us about neural diseases? Eur J Neurosci. 2012 Jun;35(12):1811-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2012.08171.x. Review.
• Wilson NH, Stoeckli ET. Sonic Hedgehog regulates Wnt activity during neural circuit formation. Vitam Horm. 2012;88:173-209. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-394622-5.00008-0. Review.

Selected Lectures, Seminars or Colloquia

I teach courses in neurobiology at all levels:
BIO143 Neurobiology, BIO 344 Development of the Nervous System, BIO343 Structural Plasticity and Repair of the Nervous System, BIO328 Practical Course in Neurosciences, Introductory and Advanced Courses in Neurosciences (ZNZ PhD program)

Funding

Swiss National Science Foundation

URL

http://www.imls.uzh.ch/research/Stoeckli.html