Neurodevelopment and cancer neuroscience

Molecular and cell biological mechanisms of human brain complexity.

In the Kalebic lab we investigate how brain complexity is achieved, impaired, and exploited in disease by focusing on the causal role of cell morphology in cellular function. We challenge classical views in cell biology by testing whether cellular form is not merely a byproduct, but a driver of function in brain development, evolution and pathology. Through our work we aim to reframe understanding of brain development and disease and to advance translational insight into unmet clinical challenges, particularly Down syndrome, glioblastoma and neurofibromatosis type 1.