Group leader
Professor Helen Cooper
Interim Director
Queensland Brain Institute
Affiliate of the Centre for RNA in Neuroscience
+61 7 3346 6354
h.cooper@uq.edu.au
h.cooper@uq.edu.au
Our research
The Cooper lab investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control neocortex development, with a focus on neural stem cells, neurogenesis, and neuronal connectivity.
The lab has identified novel roles for axon guidance receptors in neural stem cell biology, neurogenesis, dendrite growth, and synapse formation. Loss of these receptors in mouse models leads to cortical malformations that closely resemble those observed in humans.
Current research explores how these signalling pathways ensure the accuracy and timing of cortical development. The group has uncovered links between these receptors and genes associated with schizophrenia and autism, providing new insight into how disrupted development may contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders.
To ensure translational relevance, the lab studies these pathways in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These models generate diverse neuronal subtypes found in the human neocortex, enabling direct investigation of human brain development.
The lab aims to:
- Identify new regulators of neurogenesis and neuronal connectivity
- Investigate genes linked to cortical malformations and neuropsychiatric disorders
- Advance understanding of the molecular basis of brain development and disease
This research provides fundamental insight into how the neocortex forms and how developmental disruptions may lead to cortical malformations, supporting future therapies.