Based on our recent work (Harkins et al., 2025) we are characterizing lineage transitions (and underlying mechanisms) that occur in in the early postnatal brain with a focus on oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Techniques used include in vivo lineage tracing and slice cultures.

With the knowledge gained from the above project, we are also investigating the impacts of injury and disease on neural stem cells and their progeny in the postnatal forebrain. These studies are focused on 1) genes linked to neurodevelopmental disorders and expressed in glial cells and; 2) the impacts of white-matter injury. Techniques used include single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, lineage tracing and genetic perturbation in vivo.

Using a variety of experimental approaches we are studying the control of proliferation and quiescence of two proteins (LRIG1 and Galectin-9) which are involved in extracellular communication in the forebrain neural stem cell niche. Techniques used include transgenic models, neural culture models and spatial transcriptomics.

In collaboration with Dr. Janice Robertson's lab (Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease) we are investigating the impact of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) linked mutations on neurodevelopment. Techniques used include transgenic models and a variety of staining approaches.