Christopher A. Walsh Laboratory
	Genetic Conditions Patient Info Sheets Polymicrogyria Research Collaboration Causes of Mental Retardation Genes Identified Publications Support Our Research Contact Info Participate in Research Study Internet Resources Directions Clinic for All Ages: Comprehensive Brain Malformation Program Home		Genetic Conditions Our laboratory is interested in cellular and genetic mechanisms of development of the cerebral cortex, the largest structure of the mammalian brain. The cortex represents a folded sheet of neurons that forms a wrapping around the outside of the brain. The cortex is a good system for studying neuronal development, since there are known mutations that systematically disrupt its development. Abnormal development of the cerebral cortex in humans results in epilepsy, autism, mental retardation, dyslexia, and other learning disorders, and perhaps some psychiatric conditions as well. Several projects are directed at trying to understand the basic biology of the cortex by studying the mutations that disturb its development. Autism Bilateral Frontoparietal Polymicrogyria Double Cortex Syndrome Interhemispheric Cyst/Agenesis of Corpus Callosum Joubert Syndrome Lissencephaly with Cerebellar Hypoplasia Microcephaly Perisylvian Polymicrogyria Periventricular Heterotopia Schizencephaly Walker Warburg Syndrome Nonsyndromic Mental Retardation Mental Illness Effects of Brain Malformations on Learning and Function Epilepsy and Focal Malformations of Brain Development