XiaoChing Li, Ph.D.

Keywords:
gene regulation, neural circuit development, plasticity, vocal learning, neurogenesis, and autism

Research Description

My laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autisms. Particularly, we study gene regulation network related to neural circuit development, sensitive period plasticity, and vocal learning in the zebra finch, taking the unique advantage of its well described vocal learning behavior and the underlying neural circuitry. The FOXP2 gene encodes a transcription factor that plays important roles in the development of neural circuitry related to speech and language functions. Mutations in the FOXP2 gene cause speech/language disorders and dysfunction of FOXP2 has been implicated in Autisms Spectrum Disorders. How the expression of FOXP2 is regulated is not clear. We recently identified several miRNAs that regulate FOXP2 expression. We are now investigating the functions of these miRNAs in the zebra finch brain. We employ a multidisciplinary approach that combines gene regulation, genomics, neural imaging, and behavioral analysis.