A functional brain relies heavily on the proper formation of a neuronal network. The development of neuronal connections in the brain is a complex and intricate process that is influenced by various intrinsic and extrinsic molecular signals and neural activities. The Cheng Laboratory has discovered molecular signaling pathways and neural activity mechanisms involved in axon refinement during hippocampal neurogenesis and development of the motor and visual systems. We have been elucidating how these mechanisms interact and influence the development of the brain in both wild-type and disease models.

Current projects: