Brain development and disorders lab

Professor Richards' laboratory investigates how the brain becomes wired up during development. The lab is focusing on the development of the cerebral cortex, a region of the brain where all higher order cognition is processed. The lab investigates the development of the largest fibre tract in the brain, called the corpus callosum, that connects neurons in the left and right cerebral hemispheres. Professor Richards' lab is interested in the development of the cortical midline and aspects of glial and neuronal development that impact the formation of midline structures such as the corpus callosum. The lab utilises both mouse and human tissue in its projects and applies the results to identifying the basis of agenesis of the corpus callosum, a condition that occurs in more than 300 different human congenital syndromes.

The Richards laboratory began a new era of research in 2015 by establishing protocols for examining brain wiring in human subjects. To launch this, the laboratory hosted an international conference called Cortical Connections, where a new international consortium of scientists and clinicians working on developmental brain disorders was established. The consortium will bring data together from different laboratories in Australia and internationally to help identify genes causing human brain disorders.

The consortium will also collect brain MRI data and neuropsychological data to try to understand the relationship between specific patterns of brain wiring and brain function. In this same area, the laboratory was awarded a National Institutes of Health grant with Professor Elliott Sherr (University of California, San Francisco) and Professor Bill Dobyns (Seattle University, Washington) who are internationally leading paediatric neurologists and geneticists, and a National Health and Medical Research Council grant with Professor Sherr and QBI researcher Associate Professor Tom Burne. These grants will specifically identify genes that cause human developmental brain disorders, and investigate their function.

For five years (2015-2020) Professor Richards was Deputy Director (Research) at The University of Queensland's Queensland Brain Institute.  Professor Richards was appointed as an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia (General Division) in 2019 for her "distinguished service to medical research and education in the field of developmental neurobiology, and to science and community engagement in science".  She has been an NHMRC Principal Research Fellow since 2011.  In 2015 she was elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. In 2016 she was elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences and became President of the Australasian Neuroscience Society that year. Between 2017 and 2020 Professor Richards was Co-Chair of the Australian Brain Alliance and she was a member of the Federal Government's Million Minds Mission Advisory Panel from 2018 to 2020.

Group leader

Professor Linda Richards

Professor Linda Richards

Professorial Research Fellow(Group), Queensland Brain Institute

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Control of cellular differentiation in the developing brain
(2020-2022) ARC Discovery Project

Role of spontaneous activity in the formation of functional cortical circuits in vico
(2019-2021) NHMRC Project Grant

Normal and abnormal development of brain wiring and its impact on brain function
(2017-2021) NHMRC Principal Research Fellowship

Understanding cortical circuitry underlying sensory integration and the consequence of its developmental disruption​
(2017–2020) NHMRC Project Grant

Neural circuits that mediate fear extinction
(2017-2021) NHMRC Project Grant

Astroglial remodelling of the interhemispheric midline is regulated by deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) signalling and is required for corpus callosum formation
(2017–2019) NHMRC Project Grant

Unravelling the principles of bilateral brain wiring
(2016–2019) ARC Discovery Projects

Delayed radial glial maturation linked to NFI deficiency as an underlying cause of cortical defects in humans and mice
(2016–2018) NHMRC Project Grant

ACC: Callosal Agenesis as a Window into Common Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NIH grant administered by the University of California, San Francisco)
(2015–2017) Regents of the University of California

Targeting of callosal axons to duplicate cortical areas in the contralateral hemisphere Project Grant
(2014-2017) NHMRC Project Grant

Scholarly Book Chapters

Kozulin, P. and Richards L.J. (2016) Axonal Guidance: Making Connections. Neuroscience in the 21st Century: From basic to clinical (2nd edition)201-224. Editors: Pfaff, D.W. and Volkow, N.D. Publisher: Springer New York.

Morcom L.R., Edwards T.J. and Richards L.J. (2015) Cortical architecture, midline guidance and tractography of 3-D white matter tracts. Axons and Brain Architecture, 289-313 Editor: Rockland K.S. Publisher: Elsevier.

Kozulin P., Almarza G., Gobius I. and Richards L.J. (2015) Investigating early formation of the cerebral cortex by in utero electroporation - methods and protocols. Prenatal and Postnatal Determinants of Brain Development - Recent Studies and Methodological Advances, 3-20. Editor: Walker D. Publisher: Springer Science+Business Media.

Chedotal A. and Richards L.J. (2010) Wiring the brain: The biology of neuronal guidance. Cold Spring Harbour Perspectives in Biology, 2:a001917. Editors: Tessier-Lavigne M. and Kolodkin A.L. Publisher: Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory Press.

Piper M., Dawson A., Lindwall C., Barry G., Plachez C. and Richards L.J. (2007) Emx and Nfi genes regulate cortical development and axon guidance in the telecephalon. Novartis Foundation Symposium 288, 230-245, final discussion 276-281. Editor: Bock G. and Goode J. Publisher: Wiley.

O'Leary D.D.M., Bastmeyer M., Daston M., Koester S.E., Richards L.J. and Yee K.T. (1996) Development of cortical output projections: axon guidance, target recognition, and plasticity. Integrative and Molecular Approach to Brain Function: Uehara Memorial Foundation Symposium-1996, 165-178. Editors: Ito M. and Miyashita Y. Publisher: Elsevier.

Bartlett P.F., Richards L.J., Kilpatrick T.J., Talman P.S., Bailey K., Brooker G., Dutton R., Koblar S., Nurcombe V., Ford M., et al. (1995) Factors Regulating the Differentiation of Neural Precursors in the Forebrain. CIBA Foundation Symposium 193 - Development of the Cerebral Cortex, 85-95. Editors: Blakemore, Cardew G. and Bock G.R. Publisher: Wiley.

Bartlett P.F., Drago J., Kilpatrick T.J., Richards L.J., Wookey P. and Murphy M. (1992) Regulation of the early development in the nervous system by growth factors. Development of the Central Nervous System in Vertebrates, 234: 1-21. Editors: Sharma S.C. and Goffinet A.M. Publisher: Springer US.

Refereed Journal Articles

DRAXIN regulates interhemispheric fissure remodelling to influence the extent of corpus callosum formation

Morcom L., Edwards T.J., Rider E., Jones-Davis D., Lim J.W.C., Chen K-S., Dean R., Bunt J., Ye Y., Gobius I., Suárez R., Mandelstam S., Sherr E.H. and Richards L.J. (2021) DRAXIN regulates interhemispheric fissure remodelling to influence the extent of corpus callosum formation eLife doi:10.7554/eLife.61618.

DCC regulates astroglial development essential for telencephalic morphogenesis and corpus callosum formation

Morcom L., Gobius I., Marsh A.P.L., Suarez R., Lim J.W.C., Bridges C., Ye Y., Fenlon L.R., Zagar Y., Douglass A.M., Donahoo A-L.S., Fothergill T., Shaikh S., Kozulin P., Edwards T.J., Cooper H.M., IRC5 Consortium, Sherr E.H., Chedotal A., Leventer R.J., Lockhart P.J. and Richards L.J. (2021) DCC regulates astroglial development essential for telencephalic morphogenesis and corpus callosum formation eLife DOI:10.7554/eLife.61769. *Featured in Science editor’s choice in “Building bridges in the brain” feature https://science.sciencemag.org/content/372/6543/twil

Verbal Adynamia and Conceptualization in Partial Rhombencephalosynapsis and Corpus Callosum Dysgenesis

Barker M.S., Knight J.L., Dean R., Mandelstam S., Richards L.J. and Robinson G.A. (2021) Verbal Adynamia and Conceptualization in Partial Rhombencephalosynapsis and Corpus Callosum Dysgenesis. Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology: March 2021 Volume 34 Issue 1 pp. 38-52 doi:10.1097/WNN.0000000000000261

The evolution, formation and connectivity of the anterior commissure

Fenlon L.R., Suarez R., Lynton Z. and Richards L.J. (2021) The evolution, formation and connectivity of the anterior commissure. Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.04.009

NFIA and NFIB function as tumour suppressors in high-grade glioma in mice

Chen K-S., Lynton Z., Lim J.W.C., Robertson T., Gronostajski R.M., Bunt J. and Richards L.J.  (2020) NFIA and NFIB function as tumour suppressors in high-grade glioma in mice Carcinogenesis, bgaa139, https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/bgaa139.

Understanding the uptake of nanomedicines at different stages of brain cancer using a modular nanocarrier platform and precision bispecific antibodies

Houston Z., Bunt J., Chen K.S., Puttick S., Howard C., Fletcher N., Fuchs A., Cui J., Ju Y., Cowin G.J., Song X., Boyd A., Mahler S., Richards LJ., Caruso F. and Thurecht K. (2020) Understanding the uptake of nanomedicines at different stages of brain cancer using a modular nanocarrier platform and precision bispecific antibodies. ACS Central Science 2020, 6, 5, 727–738, doi.org/10.1021/acscentsci.9b01299.

Pathogenic DDX3X mutations impair RNA metabolism and neurogenesis during fetal cortical development

Lennox A.L., Hoye M.L., Jiang R., Johnson-Kerner B.L.,  Suit L., Venkataramanan S., Sheehan C.J., Alsina F.C., Fregeau B., Aldinger K.A., Moey C., Lobach I., Alexandra A., Babovic-Vuksanovic D., Bézieau S., Blackburn P.R., Bunt J., Burglen L., Campeau P., Charles P., Chung B.H.Y., Cogné B., Curry C., D'Agostino M.D., DeBrosse S., Di Donato N., Faivre L., Héron D., Innes A.M., Isidor B., Keren B., Kimball A., Eric W. Klee E.W., Kuentz P., Küry S., Martin-Coignard D., Mirzaa G., Mignot C., Miyake N., Nava C., Nizon M., Rodriguez D., Snijders Blok L., Thauvin-Robinet C., Thevenon J., Vincent M., Ziegler A., Dobyns W., Richards L.J., Barkovich A.J., Floor S.N., Silver D.L., and Sherr E.H. (2020) Pathogenic DDX3X mutations impair RNA metabolism and neurogenesis during fetal cortical development. Neuron doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.01.042.

Altered structural connectivity networks in a mouse model of complete and partial dysgenesis of the corpus callosum

Edwards T.J., Fenlon L.R., Dean R.J., Bunt J., Sherr E.H. and Richards L.J. (2020) Altered structural connectivity networks in a mouse model of complete and partial dysgenesis of the corpus callosum Neuroimage doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116868.

Differential timing of a conserved transcriptional network underlies divergent cortical projection routes across mammalian evolution

Paolino A., Fenlon L.R., Kozulin P., Haines E., Lim J.W.C., Richards L.J. and Suárez R. (2020) Differential timing of a conserved transcriptional network underlies divergent cortical projection routes across mammalian evolutionProc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA Sciences  doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1922422117.

Callosal agenesis and congenital mirror movements: clinical, imaging and neuropsychological outcomes associated with DCC mutations

Spencer-Smith M., Knight J.L., Lacaze E., IRC5 Consortium, Depienne C., Lockhart P.J., Richards L.J., Heron D., Leventer R.J. and Robinson G.A. (2020) Callosal agenesis and congenital mirror movements: clinical, imaging and neuropsychological outcomes associated with DCC mutations Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.14486.

Variants in Nuclear Factor I Genes Influence Growth and Development

Zenker M., Bunt J., Schanze I., Schanze D., Piper M., Priolo M., Gerkes E.H., Gronostajski R.M., Richards L.J., Vogt J., Wessels M.W., Hennekam R.C. (2019) Variants in Nuclear Factor I Genes Influence Growth and Development. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics doi:10.1002/ajmg.c.31747.

YAP1 subgroup supratentorial ependymoma requires TEAD and Nuclear factor I-mediated transcriptional programmes for tumourigenesis

Pajtler K., Wei Y., Okonechnikov K., Benites P., Vouri M., Zhang L., Brabetz S., Sieber L., Gulley M., Mauermann M., Wedig T., Mack N., Kawasawa Y., Sharma T., Zuckermann M., Andreiuolo F., Holland E., Maass K., Körkel-Qu H., Liu H-K., Sahm F., Capper D., Bunt J., Richards L.J., Jones D., Korshunov A., Chavez L., Lichter P., Hoshino M., Pfister S., Kool M., Li W. and Kawauchi D. (2019) YAP1 subgroup supratentorial ependymoma requires TEAD and Nuclear factor I-mediated transcriptional programmes for tumourigenesis. Nature Communications doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-11884-5.

Transcription factors NFIA and NFIB induce cellular differentiation high-grade astrocytoma

Chen K-S., Bunt J., Bridges C.R., Lynton Z., Lim J.W.C., Stringer B.W., Rajagopal R., Wong K-T., Ganesan D., Ariffin H., Day B.W. and Richards L.J. (2019) Transcription factors NFIA and NFIB induce cellular differentiation high-grade astrocytoma. Journal of Neuro-Oncology doi:10.1007/s11060-019-03352-3.

Shared and differential features of Robo3 expression pattern in amniotes

Friocourt F., Kozulin, P., Belle M., Suárez R., Di-Poï N., Richards L.J., Giacobini P. and Chédotal C. (2019). Shared and differential features of Robo3 expression pattern in amniotes. The Journal of Comparative Neuroloy doi: 10.1002/cne.24648.

A neuroethics framework for the Australian Brain Initiative

Richards L.J. (corresponding author) Australian Brain Alliance (2019) A neuroethics framework for the Australian Brain Initiative. Neuron doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.01.004.

Increased cognitive complexity reveals abnormal brain network activity in individuals with corpus callosum dysgenesis

Hearne, L.J., Dean, R., Robinson, G., Richards L.J., Mattingley J. and Cocchi L. (2018) Increased cognitive complexity reveals abnormal brain network activity in individuals with corpus callosum dysgenesis. Neuroimage doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2018.11.005.

NFIB haploinsufficiency is associated with intellectual disability and marcocephaly

Schanze I., Bunt J., Boppudi S., Lim J.W.C., Schanze D., Dean R.J., Alders M., Blanchet P., Attié-Bitach T., Berland S., Bridges C.J., Cho M.T., Desai S., Dobyns W.B., Donnai D., Douglas J., Earl D.L., Edwards T.J., Faivre L., Genevieve D., Gérard M., Gatinois V., Holder-Espinasse M., Huth S.F., Izumi, K., Kerr, B., Lacaze E., Lakeman P., Mirzaa G., Morgan S., Nowak C., Peeters H., Petit F., Pilz D.T., Puechberty J., Reinstein E., Rivière J-B., Santani A.B., Schneider A., Sherr E.H., Smith-Hicks C., Wieland I., Zackai E., , Gronostajski R.M., Zenker M., and Richards L.J. (2018) NFIB haploinsufficiency is associated with intellectual disability and marcocephaly. The American Journal of Human Genetics doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.10.006.

A pan-mammalian map of interhemispheric brain connections predates the evolution of the corpus callosum

Suárez R., Paolino A., Fenlon L.R., Morcom L.R., Kozulin P., Kurniawan N.D., and Richards L.J. (2018) A pan-mammalian map of interhemispheric brain connections predates the evolution of the corpus callosum. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1808262115.

Teaching Neuroimages: Imaging features of DCC-mediated mirror movements and isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum

Edwards T.J., Marsh A.P.L., Lockhart P.J., Richards L.J. and Leventer R.J. (2018) Teaching Neuroimages: Imaging features of DCC-mediated mirror movements and isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum.  Neurology doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000006085.

Transcriptional control of long-range cortical projections.

Paolino A., Fenlon L.R., Suárez R. and Richards, L.J. (2018) Transcriptional control of long-range cortical projections. Current Opinion in Neurobiology 53:57-65 doi.org/10.1016/j.conb.2018.05.005.

DCC is required for the development of nociceptive topognosis in mice and humans

Da Silva R.V., Johannssen H.C., Wyss M.T., Roome R.B., Bourojeni F.B., Stifani N., Marsh A.P.L., Ryan M.M., Lockhart P.J., Leventer R.J., Richards, L.J., Rosenblatt B., Srour M., Weber B., Zeilhofer, H.U. and Kania A. (2018) DCC is required for the development of nociceptive topognosis in mice and humans. Cell Reports 22:1105-1114.

Pharmacogenetic stimulation of neuronal activity increases myelination in an axon-specific manner

Mitew S., Gobius I., Fenlon L., McDougall S., Hawkes D., Xing Y., Bujalka H., Gundlach A., Richards L.J., Kilpatrick T.J., Merson T. and Emery B. (2017) Pharmacogenetic stimulation of neuronal activity increases myelination in an axon-specific manner. Nature Comm. 10.1038/s41467-017-02719-2.

DCC mutation update: congenital mirror movements, isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum and developmental split brain syndrome

Marsh A.P.L., Edwards T.J., Galea C., Cooper H.M., Engle E.C., Jamuar S.S., Méneret A., Moutard M-L., Nava C., Rastetter A., Robinson G., Rouleau G., Roze E., Spencer-Smith M., Trouillard O., Billette de Villemeur T., Walsh C.A., Yu T.W., IRC5 Consortium, Heron D., Sherr E.H., Richards L.J., Depienne C., Leventer R.J. and Lockhart P.J. (2017) DCC mutation update: congenital mirror movements, isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum and developmental split brain syndrome. Human Mutation 2018 Jan;39(1):23-39. doi: 10.1002/humu.23361.

Transcriptional regulation of Nfix by NFIB drives astrocytic maturation within the developing spinal cord

Matuzelski E., Bunt J., Harkins D., Lim J.W.C., Gronostajski R.M., Richards L.J., Harris L. and Piper M. (2017) Transcriptional regulation of Nfix by NFIB drives astrocytic maturation within the developing spinal cord. Developmental Biology 2017 Dec 15;432(2):286-297. doi: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.10.019.

The convergent roles of the nuclear factor I transcription factors in development and cancer

Chen K-S., Lim J.W.C., Richards L.J. and Bunt J. (2017) The convergent roles of the nuclear factor I transcription factors in development and cancer. Cancer Letters 2017 Dec 1:410:124-138. Doi 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.09.015.

Combined allelic dosage of Nfia and Nfib regulates cortical development.

Bunt J., Osinski J.M., Lim J.W.C., Vidovic D., Ye Y., Zalucki O., O’Connor T.R., Harris L., Gronostajski R.M., Richards L.J., and Piper M. (2017) Combined allelic dosage of Nfia and Nfib regulates cortical development. Brain and Neuroscience Advances Volume 1: 1–21.

Multiple events of gene manipulation via in pouch electroporation in a marsupial model of mammalian forebrain development.

Paolino A., Fenlon L.R., Kozulin P., Richards L.J. and Suarez R. (2017) Multiple events of gene manipulation via in pouch electroporation in a marsupial model of mammalian forebrain developmentJournal of Neuroscience Methods Volume 293: 45-52 doi: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.09.004.

Development of body, head and brain features in the Australian fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata; Marsupialia: Dasyuridae); A postnatal model of forebrain formation

Suarez R., Paolino A., Kozulin P., Fenlon L.R., Morcom L.R., Englebright R., O’Hara P.J., Murray P.J. and Richards L.J. (2017) Development of body, head and brain features in the Australian fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata; Marsupialia: Dasyuridae); A postnatal model of forebrain formation. PLOS ONE 12(9): e0184450.

Astroglial-mediated remodeling of the interhemispheric midline during telencephalic development is exclusive to eutherian mammals

Gobius I., Suarez R., Morcom L., Paolino A., Edwards T.J., Kozulin P. and Richards L.J. (2017) Astroglial-mediated remodeling of the interhemispheric midline during telencephalic development is exclusive to eutherian mammals. Neural Development 12:9 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-017-0086-1.

Differential neuronal and glial expression of Nuclear factor I proteins in the dorsal forebrain of adult mice

Chen K-S., Harris L., Lim J.W.C., Harvey T., Piper M., Gronostajski R., Richards L.J. and Bunt J. (2017) Differential neuronal and glial expression of Nuclear factor I proteins in the dorsal forebrain of adult mice. Journal of Comparative Neurology DOI: 10.1002/cne.24206.

Reducing the burden of neurological disease and mental illness

Double K. and Richards L.J. (corresponding authors) (2017) Reducing the burden of neurological disease and mental illness. Medical Journal of Australia 206 (8): 341-342.

Mutations in DCC cause isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum with incomplete penetrance

Marsh A.P.L., Herron D., Edwards T.J., et al, Richards L.J.§ Lockhart P.J.§ and Depienne C.§ (2017) Mutations in DCC cause isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum with incomplete penetrance.  Nature Genetics (doi:10.1038/ng.3794). §Equal last and senior authors.

The anatomy, organisation and development of contralateral callosal projections of the mouse somatosensory cortex

Fenlon L.R., Suarez, R. and Richards L.J. (2017) The anatomy, organisation and development of contralateral callosal projections of the mouse somatosensory cortex. Brain and Neuroscience Advances 10.1177/2398212817694888.

Transcriptional regulation of intermediate progenitor cell generation during hippocampal development

Harris, Lachlan, Zalucki, Oressia, Gobius, Ilan, McDonald, Hannah, Osinki, Jason, Harvey, Tracey J., Essebier, Alexandra, Vidovic, Diana, Gladwyn-Ng, Ivan, Burne, Thomas H., Heng, Julian I., Richards, Linda J., Gronostajski, Richard M. and Piper, Michael (2016) Transcriptional regulation of intermediate progenitor cell generation during hippocampal development. Development143 24: 4620-4630. doi:10.1242/dev.140681

Astroglial-mediated remodeling of the interhemispheric midline is required for the formation of the corpus callosum

Gobius, Ilan, Morcom, Laura, Sua´rez, Rodrigo, Bunt, Jens, Bukshpun, Polina, Reardon, William, Dobyns, William B., Rubenstein, John L.R., Barkovich, James, Sherr, Elliott H. and Richards, Linda J. (2016) Astroglial-mediated remodeling of the interhemispheric midline is required for the formation of the corpus callosum. Cell Reports17 3: 735-747. doi:10.1016/j.celrep.2016.09.033

Altered structural connectome in adolescent socially isolated mice

Liu, Cirong, Li, Yonghui, Edwards, Timothy J., Kurniawan, Nyoman D., Richards, Linda J. and Jiang, Tianzi (2016) Altered structural connectome in adolescent socially isolated mice. Neuroimage139 259-270. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.06.037

Reply: ARID 1B mutations are the major genetic cause of corpus callosum anomalies in patients with intellectual disability

Edwards, Timothy J., Sherr, Elliott H., Barkovich, A. James and Richards, Linda J. (2016) Reply: ARID 1B mutations are the major genetic cause of corpus callosum anomalies in patients with intellectual disability. Brain139 11: e65. doi:10.1093/brain/aww171

Nuclear factor one B (NFIB) encodes a subtype-specific tumour suppressor in glioblastoma

Stringer, Brett W., Bunt, Jens, Day, Bryan W., Barry, Guy, Jamieson, Paul R., Ensbey, Kathleen S., Bruce, Zara C., Goasdoué, Kate, Vidal, Helene, Charmsaz, Sara, Smith, Fiona M., Cooper, Leanne T., Piper, Michael, Boyd, Andrew W. and Richards, Linda J. (2016) Nuclear factor one B (NFIB) encodes a subtype-specific tumour suppressor in glioblastoma. Oncotarget7 20: 29306-12320. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.8720

NFIX regulates proliferation and migration within the murine SVZ neurogenic niche

Heng, Yee Hsieh Evelyn, Zhou, Bo, Harris, Lachlan, Harvey, Tracey, Smith, Aaron, Horne, Elise, Martynoga, Ben, Andersen, Jimena, Achimastou, Angeliki, Cato, Kathleen, Richards, Linda J., Gronostajski, Richard M., Yeo, Giles S., Guillemot, François, Bailey, Timothy L. and Piper, Michael (2015) NFIX regulates proliferation and migration within the murine SVZ neurogenic niche. Cerebral Cortex25 10: 3758-3778. doi:10.1093/cercor/bhu253

MicroRNA-153 regulates the acquisition of gliogenic competence by neural stem cells

Tsuyama, Jun, Bunt, Jens, Richards, Linda J., Iwanari, Hiroko, Mochizuki, Yasuhiro, Hamakubo, Takao, Shimazaki, Takuya and Okano, Hideyuki (2015) MicroRNA-153 regulates the acquisition of gliogenic competence by neural stem cells. Stem Cell Reports5 3: 365-377. doi:10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.06.006

EMX1 regulates NRP1-mediated wiring of the mouse anterior cingulate cortex

Lim, Jonathan W. C., Donahoo, Amber-Lee S., Bunt, Jens, Edwards, Timothy J., Fenlon, Laura R., Liu, Ying, Zhou, Jing, Moldrich, Randal X., Piper, Michael, Gobius, Ilan, Bailey, Timothy L., Wray, Naomi R., Kessaris, Nicoletta, Poo, Mu-Ming, Rubenstein, John L. R. and Richards, Linda J. (2015) EMX1 regulates NRP1-mediated wiring of the mouse anterior cingulate cortex. Development142 21: 3746-3757. doi:10.1242/dev.119909

Formation of functional areas in the cerebral cortex is disrupted in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder

Fenlon, Laura R., Liu, Sha, Gobius, Ilan, Kurniawan, Nyoman D., Murphy, Skyle, Moldrich, Randal X. and Richards, Linda J. (2015) Formation of functional areas in the cerebral cortex is disrupted in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Neural Development10 10: 1-14. doi:10.1186/s13064-015-0033-y

Contralateral targeting of the corpus callosum in normal and pathological brain function

Fenlon, Laura R. and Richards, Linda J. (2015) Contralateral targeting of the corpus callosum in normal and pathological brain function. Trends in Neurosciences38 5: 264-272. doi:10.1016/j.tins.2015.02.007

PAX6 does not regulate Nfia and Nfib expression during neocortical development

Bunt, Jens, Lim, Jonathan W., Zhao, Lu, Mason, Sharon and Richards, Linda J. (2015) PAX6 does not regulate Nfia and Nfib expression during neocortical development. Scientific Reports5 Art No.: 10668: . doi:10.1038/srep10668

Mapk/Erk activation in an animal model of social deficits shows a possible link to autism

Faridar, Alireza, Jones-Davis, Dorothy, Rider, Eric, Li, Jiang, Gobius, Ilan, Morcom, Laura, Richards, Linda, Sen, Saunak and Sherr, Elliott (2014) Mapk/Erk activation in an animal model of social deficits shows a possible link to autism. Molecular Autism5 57: 1-12. doi:10.1186/2040-2392-5-57

Subdomain-mediated axon-axon signaling and chemoattraction cooperate to regulate afferent innervation of the lateral habenula

Schmidt, Ewoud Roberto Eduard, Brignani, Sara, Adolfs, Youri, Lemstra, Suzanne, Demmers, Jeroen, Vidaki, Marina, Donahoo, Amber-Lee Skye, Lillevali, Kersti, Vasar, Eero, Richards, Linda Jane, Karagogeos, Domna, Kolk, Sharon Margriet and Pasterkamp, Ronald Jeroen (2014) Subdomain-mediated axon-axon signaling and chemoattraction cooperate to regulate afferent innervation of the lateral habenula. Neuron83 2: 372-387. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2014.05.036

Evolution and development of interhemispheric connections in the vertebrate forebrain

Suarez, Rodrigo, Gobius, Ilan and Richards, Linda J. (2014) Evolution and development of interhemispheric connections in the vertebrate forebrain. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience8 JULY: 1-14. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2014.00497

Balanced interhemispheric cortical activity is required for correct targeting of the corpus callosum

Suarez, Rodrigo, Fenlon, Laura R., Marek, Roger, Avitan, Lilach A, Sah, Pankaj, Goodhill, Geoffrey J. and Richards, Linda J. (2014) Balanced interhemispheric cortical activity is required for correct targeting of the corpus callosum.Neuron82 6: 1289-1298. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2014.04.040

Unc5C and DCC act downstream of Ctip2 and Satb2 and contribute to corpus callosum formation

Srivatsa, Swathi, Parthasarathy, Srinivas, Britanova, Olga, Bormuth, Ingo, Donahoo, Amber-Lee, Ackerman, Susan L., Richards, Linda J. and Tarabykin, Victor (2014) Unc5C and DCC act downstream of Ctip2 and Satb2 and contribute to corpus callosum formation. Nature Communications5 . doi:10.1038/ncomms4708

NFIB-mediated repression of the epigenetic factor Ezh2 regulates cortical development

Piper, Michael, Barry, Guy, Harvey, Tracey J., McLeay, Robert, Smith, Aaron G., Harris, Lachlan, Mason, Sharon, Stringer, Brett W., Day, Bryan W., Wray, Naomi R., Gronostajski, Richard M., Bailey, Timothy L., Boyd, Andrew W. and Richards, Linda J. (2014) NFIB-mediated repression of the epigenetic factor Ezh2 regulates cortical development.Journal of Neuroscience34 8: 2921-2930. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2319-13.2014

Diffusion MR microscopy of cortical development in the mouse embryo

Aggarwal, Manisha, Gobius, Ilan, Richards, Linda J. and Mori, Susumu (2014) Diffusion MR microscopy of cortical development in the mouse embryo. Cerebral Cortex25 7: 1970-1980. doi:10.1093/cercor/bhu006

Wnt5a induces Ryk-dependent and -independent effects on callosal axon and dendrite growth

Clark, Charlotte E. J., Richards, , Linda J., Stacker, Steven A. and Cooper, Helen M. (2014) Wnt5a induces Ryk-dependent and -independent effects on callosal axon and dendrite growth. Growth Factors32 1: 11-17. doi:10.3109/08977194.2013.875544

Clinical, genetic and imaging findings identify new causes for corpus callosum development syndromes

Edwards, Timothy J., Sherr, Elliott H., Barkovich, A. James and Richards, Linda J. (2014) Clinical, genetic and imaging findings identify new causes for corpus callosum development syndromes. Brain137 6: 1579-1613. doi:10.1093/brain/awt358

NFIX regulates neural progenitor cell differentiation during hippocampal morphogenesis

Heng, Yee Hsieh Evelyn, McLeay, Robert C., Harvey, Tracey J., Smith, Aaron G., Barry, Guy, Cato, Kathleen, Plachez, Celine, Little, Erica, Mason, Sharon, Dixon, Chantelle, Gronostajski, Richard M., Bailey, Timothy L., Richards, Linda J. and Piper, Michael (2014) NFIX regulates neural progenitor cell differentiation during hippocampal morphogenesis.Cerebral Cortex24 1: 261-279. doi:10.1093/cercor/bhs307

Netrin-DCC signaling regulates corpus callosum formation through attraction of pioneering axons and by modulating Slit2-mediated repulsion

Fothergill, Thomas, Donahoo, Amber-Lee S., Douglass, Amelia, Zalucki, Oressia, Yuan, Jiajia, Shu, Tianzhi, Goodhill, Geoffrey J. and Richards, Linda J. (2014) Netrin-DCC signaling regulates corpus callosum formation through attraction of pioneering axons and by modulating Slit2-mediated repulsion. Cerebral Cortex24 5: 1138-1151. doi:10.1093/cercor/bhs395

X-linked microtubule-associated protein, Mid1, regulates axon development

Lu, Tingjia, Chen, Renchao, Cox, Timothy C., Moldrich, Randal X., Kurniawan, Nyoman, Tan, Guohe, Perry, Jo K., Ashworth, Alan, Bartlett, Perry F., Xu, Li, Zhang, Jing, Lu, Bin, Wu, Mingyue, Shen, Qi, Liu, Yuanyuan, Richards, Linda J. and Xiong, Zhiqi (2013) X-linked microtubule-associated protein, Mid1, regulates axon development.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America110 47: 19131-19136. doi:10.1073/pnas.1303687110

Coupling diffusion imaging with histological and gene expression analysis to examine the dynamics of cortical areas across the fetal period of human brain development

Huang, Hao, Jeon, Tina, Sedmak, Goran, Pletikos, Mihovil, Vasung, Lana, Xu, Xuming, Yarowsky, Paul, Richards, Linda J., Kostović, Ivica, Šestan, Nenad and Mori, Susumu (2013) Coupling diffusion imaging with histological and gene expression analysis to examine the dynamics of cortical areas across the fetal period of human brain development. Cerebral Cortex23 11: 2620-2631. doi:10.1093/cercor/bhs241

Axon position within the corpus callosum determines contralateral cortical projection

Zhou, Jing, Wen, Yunqing, She, Liang, Sui, Ya-nan, Liu, Lu, Richards, Linda J. and Poo, Mu-ming (2013) Axon position within the corpus callosum determines contralateral cortical projection. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America110 29: E2714-E2723. doi:10.1073/pnas.1310233110

Heterozygosity for Nuclear Factor One X Affects Hippocampal-Dependent Behaviour in Mice

Harris, Lachlan, Dixon, Chantelle, Cato, Kathleen, Heng, Yee Hsieh Evelyn, Kurniawan, Nyoman D., Ullmann, Jeremy F. P., Janke, Andrew L., Gronostajski, Richard M., Richards, Linda J., Burne, Thomas H. J. and Piper, Michael (2013) Heterozygosity for Nuclear Factor One X Affects Hippocampal-Dependent Behaviour in Mice. PLoS ONE8 6: . doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0065478

Loss of Usp9x disrupts cortical architecture, hippocampal development and TGFβ-mediated axonogenesis

Stegeman, Shane, Jolly, Lachlan A., Premarathne, Susitha, Gecz, Jozef, Richards, Linda J., Mackay-Sim, Alan and Wood, Stephen A.. (2013) Loss of Usp9x disrupts cortical architecture, hippocampal development and TGFβ-mediated axonogenesis. PLoS ONE8 7: e68287.1-e68287.11. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0068287

Expression of nuclear factor one A and -B in the olfactory bulb

Plachez, Celine, Cato, Kathleen, McLeay, Robert C., Heng, Yee Hsieh Evelyn, Bailey, Timothy L., Gronostajski, Richard M., Richards, Linda J., Puche, Adam C. and Piper, Michael (2012) Expression of nuclear factor one A and -B in the olfactory bulb. The Journal of Comparative Neurology520 14: 3135-3149. doi:10.1002/cne.23081

Multiple Slits regulate the development of midline glial populations and the corpus callosum

Unni, Divya K., Piper, Michael, Moldrich, Randal X., Gobius, Ilan, Liu, Sha, Fothergill, Thomas, Donahoo, Amber-Lee S., Baisden, John M., Cooper, Helen M. and Richards, Linda J. (2012) Multiple Slits regulate the development of midline glial populations and the corpus callosum. Developmental Biology365 1: 36-49. doi:10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.02.004

Nuclear factor I genes regulate neuronal migration

Heng, Yee Hsieh Evelyn, Barry, Guy, Richards, Linda J. and Piper, Michael (2012) Nuclear factor I genes regulate neuronal migration. NeuroSignals20 3: 159-167. doi:10.1159/000330651

Loss of neuronal potassium/chloride cotransporter 3 (KCC3) is responsible for the degenerative phenotype in a conditional mouse model of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum

Shekarabi, Masoud, Moldrich, Randal X., Rasheed, Sarah, Salin-Cantegrel, Adele, Laganiere, Janet, Rochefort, Daniel, Hince, Pascale, Huot, Karine, Gaudet, Rebecca, Kurniawan, Nyoman, Sotocinal, Susana G., Ritchie, Jennifer, Dion, Patrick A., Mogil, Jeffrey S., Richards, Linda J. and Rouleau, Guy A. (2012) Loss of neuronal potassium/chloride cotransporter 3 (KCC3) is responsible for the degenerative phenotype in a conditional mouse model of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum. Journal of Neuroscience32 11: 3865-3876. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3679-11.2012

Nuclear factor one X regulates the development of multiple cellular populations in the postnatal cerebellum

Piper, Michael, Harris, Lachlan, Barry, Guy, Heng, Yee Hsieh Evelyn, Plachez, Celine, Gronostajski, Richard M. and Richards, Linda J. (2011) Nuclear factor one X regulates the development of multiple cellular populations in the postnatal cerebellum. The Journal of Comparative Neurology519 17: 3532-3548. doi:10.1002/cne.22721

Transcription factor Lhx2 is necessary and sufficient to suppress astrogliogenesis and promote neurogenesis in the developing hippocampus

Subramanian, Lakshmi, Sarkar, Anindita, Shetty, Ashwin S., Muralidharan, Bhavana, Padmanabhan, Hari, Piper, Michael, Monuki, Edwin S., Bach, Ingolf, Gronostajski, Richard M., Richards, Linda J. and Tole, Shubha (2011) Transcription factor Lhx2 is necessary and sufficient to suppress astrogliogenesis and promote neurogenesis in the developing hippocampus. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America108 27: E-265-E-274. doi:10.1073/pnas.1101109108

Fgfr3 regulates development of the caudal telencephalon

Moldrich, Randal X., Mezzera, Cecilia, Holmes, William M., Goda, Sailaja, Brookfield, Sam J., Rankin, Alastair J., Barr, Emily, Kurniawan, Nyoman, Dewar, Deborah, Richards, Linda J., López-Bendito, Guillermina and Iwata, Tomoko (2011) Fgfr3 regulates development of the caudal telencephalon. Developmental Dynamics240 6: 1586-1599. doi:10.1002/dvdy.22636

Cyclic nucleotide-dependent switching of mammalian axon guidance depends on gradient steepness

Thompson, Andrew W., Pujic, Zac, Richards, Linda J. and Goodhill, Geoffrey J. (2011) Cyclic nucleotide-dependent switching of mammalian axon guidance depends on gradient steepness. Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience47 1: 45-52. doi:10.1016/j.mcn.2011.02.012

An MRI-based atlas and database of the developing mouse brain

Chuang, Nelson, Mori, Susumu, Yamamoto, Akira, Jiang, Hangyi, Ye, Xin, Xu, Xin, Richards, Linda J., Nathans, Jeremy, Miller, Michael I., Toga, Arthur W., Sidman, Richard L. and Zhang, Jiangyang (2011) An MRI-based atlas and database of the developing mouse brain. NeuroImage54 1: 80-89. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.07.043

Molecular regulation of the developing commissural plate

Moldrich, Randal X., Gobius, Ilan, Pollak, Thomas, Zhang, Jiangyang, Ren, Tianbo, Brown, Lucia, Mori, Susumu, Romero, Camino De Juan, Britanova, Olga, Tarabykin, Victor and Richards, Linda J. (2010) Molecular regulation of the developing commissural plate. Journal of Comparative Neurology518 18: 3645-3661. doi:10.1002/cne.22445

Comparative mouse brain tractography of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging

Moldrich, Randal X., Pannek, Kerstin, Hoch, Renee, Rubenstein, John L., Kurniawan, Nyoman D. and Richards, Linda J. (2010) Comparative mouse brain tractography of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. NeuroImage51 3: 1027-1036. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.03.035

NFIA controls telencephalic progenitor cell differentiation through repression of the Notch effector Hes1

Piper, Michael, Barry, Guy, Hawkins, John, Mason, Sharon, Lindwall, Charlotta, Little, Erica, Sarkar, Anindita, Smith, Aaron G., Moldrich, Randal X., Boyle, Glen M., Tole, Shubjha, Gronostajski, Richard M., Bailey, Timothy L. and Richards, Linda J. (2010) NFIA controls telencephalic progenitor cell differentiation through repression of the Notch effector Hes1. Journal of Neuroscience30 27: 9127-9139. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.6167-09.2010

Wiring the brain: The biology of neuronal guidance

Chedotal, Alain and Richards, Linda J. (2010) Wiring the brain: The biology of neuronal guidance. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology2 6: a001917-1-a001917-17. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a001917

Multiple non-cell-autonomous defects underlie neocortical callosal dysgenesis in Nfib-deficient mice

Piper, Michael, Moldrich, Randal, Lindwall, Charlotta, Little, Erica, Barry, Guy, Mason, Sharon, Sunn, Nana, Kurniawan, Nyoman D., Gronostajski, Richard M. and Richards, Linda J. (2009) Multiple non-cell-autonomous defects underlie neocortical callosal dysgenesis in Nfib-deficient mice. Neural Development4 Article # 43: 1-16. doi:10.1186/1749-8104-4-43

Understanding the mechanisms of callosal development through the use of transgenic mouse models

Donahoo, Amber-Lee and Richards, Linda J. (2009) Understanding the mechanisms of callosal development through the use of transgenic mouse models. Seminars in Pediatric Neurology16 3: 127-142. doi:10.1016/j.spen.2009.07.003

Neuropilin 1-Sema signaling regulates crossing of cingulate pioneering axons during development of the corpus callosum

Piper, Michael, Plachez, Celine, Zalucki, Oressia, Fothergill, Thomas, Goudreau, Guy, Erzurumlu, Reha, Gu, Chenghua and Richards, Linda J. (2009) Neuropilin 1-Sema signaling regulates crossing of cingulate pioneering axons during development of the corpus callosum. Cerebral Cortex19 Supplement 1: i11-i21. doi:10.1093/cercor/bhp027

A Bayesian model predicts the response of axons to molecular gradients

Mortimer, Duncan, Feldner, Julia, Vaughan, Timothy, Vetter, Irina, Pujic, Zac, Rosoff, William J., Burrage, Kevin, Dayan, Peter, Richards, Linda J. and Goodhill, Geoffrey J. (2009) A Bayesian model predicts the response of axons to molecular gradients. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America106 25: 10296-10301. doi:10.1073/pnas.0900715106

Why schizophrenia epidemiology needs neurobiology - And vice versa

McGrath, John J. and Richards, Linda J. (2009) Why schizophrenia epidemiology needs neurobiology - And vice versa.Schizophrenia Bulletin35 3: 577-581. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbp004

Anatomical characterization of human fetal brain development with diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging

Huang, Hao, Xue, Rong, Zhang, Jiangyang, Ren, Tianbo, Richards, Linda J., Yarowsky, Paul, Miller, Michael I. and Mori, Susumu (2009) Anatomical characterization of human fetal brain development with diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging. The Journal of Neuroscience29 13: 4263-4273. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2769-08.2009

Absence of the Transcription Factor Nfib Delays the Formation of the Basilar Pontine and Other Mossy Fiber Nuclei

Kumbasar, Asli, Plachez, Celine, Gronostajski, Richard M. and Richards, Linda J. (2009) Absence of the Transcription Factor Nfib Delays the Formation of the Basilar Pontine and Other Mossy Fiber Nuclei. The Journal of Comparative Neurology513 1: 98-112. doi:10.1002/cne.21943

Nuclear Factor One Transcription Factors in CNS Development

Mason, Sharon, Piper, Michael, Gronostajski, Richard M. and Richards, Linda J. (2009) Nuclear Factor One Transcription Factors in CNS Development. Molecular Neurobiology39 1: 10-23. doi:10.1007/s12035-008-8048-6

Specific glial populations regulate hippocampal morphogenesis

Barry, Guy, Michael Piper, Lindwall, Charlotta, Moldrich, Randal, Mason, Sharon, Little, Erica, Sarkar, Anindita, Tole, Shubha, Gronostajski, Richard M. and Richards, Linda J. (2008) Specific glial populations regulate hippocampal morphogenesis. The Journal of Neuroscience28 47: 12328-12340. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4000-08.2008

The transcription factor Nfix is essential for normal brain development

Campbell, Christine E., Piper, Michael, Plachez, Celine, Yeh, Yu-Ting, Baizer, Joan S., Osinski, Jason M., Litwack, E David, Richards, Linda J. and Gronostajski, Richard M. (2008) The transcription factor Nfix is essential for normal brain development. BMC Developmental Biology8 52: 1-18. doi:10.1186/1471-213X-8-52

Growth cone chemotaxis

Mortimer, Duncan, Fothergill, Thomas, Pujic, Zac, Richards, Linda J. and Goodhill, Geoffrey J. (2008) Growth cone chemotaxis. Trends in Neurosciences31 2: 90-98. doi:10.1016/j.tins.2007.11.008

Nuclear Factor I Gene Expression in the Developing Forebrain

Plachez, Celine, Lindwall, Charlotta, Sunn, Nana, Piper, Michael, Moldrich, Randal X., Campbell, Christine E., Osinski, Jason M., Gronostajski, Richard M. and Richards, Linda J. (2008) Nuclear Factor I Gene Expression in the Developing Forebrain. Journal of Comparative Neurology508 3: 385-401. doi:10.1002/cne.21645

Robos are required for the correct targeting of retinal ganglion cell axons in the visual pathway of the brain

Plachez, Céline, Andrews, William, Liapi, Anastasia, Knoell, Bernd, Drescher, Uwe, Mankoo, Baljinder, Zhe, Liu, Mambetisaeva, Elvira, Annan, Adelaide, Bannister, Lawrence, Parnavelas, John G., Richards, Linda J. and Sundaresan, Vasi (2008) Robos are required for the correct targeting of retinal ganglion cell axons in the visual pathway of the brain. Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience37 4: 719-730. doi:10.1016/j.mcn.2007.12.017

Agenesis of the corpus callosum: genetic, developmental and functional aspects of connectivity

Paul, L. K., Brown, W. S., Adolphs, R., Tyszka J. M., Richards, L. J., Mukherjee, P. and Sherr, E. H. (2007) Agenesis of the corpus callosum: genetic, developmental and functional aspects of connectivity. Nature Reviews. Neuroscience,8 4: 287-299. doi:10.1038/nrn2107

Commissure formation in the mammalian forebrain

Lindwall, Charlotta, Fothergill, Thomas and Richards, Linda J. (2007) Commissure formation in the mammalian forebrain. Current Opinion In Neurobiology17 1: 3-14. doi:10.1016/j.conb.2007.01.008

Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging and tract-tracing analysis of probst bundle structure in Netrin1- and DCC-deficient mice

Ren, T, Zhang, JY, Plachez, C, Mori, S and Richards, LJ (2007) Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging and tract-tracing analysis of probst bundle structure in Netrin1- and DCC-deficient mice. Journal of Neuroscience27 39: 10345-10349. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2787-07.2007

White and gray matter development in human fetal, newborn and pediatric brains

Huang, Hao, Zhang, Jiangyang, Wakana, Setsu, Zheng, Weihong, Ren,Tianbo, Richards, Linda J., Yarowsky, Paul, Donohue, Pamela, Graham, Ernest, Van Zijl, Peter C.M. and Mori, Susumu (2006) White and gray matter development in human fetal, newborn and pediatric brains. Neuroimage33 1: 27-38. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2006.06.009

Identification of candidate genes at the corticoseptal boundary during development

Shen, Wei-Bin, Plachez, Celine, Mongi, Alka S. and Richards, Linda J. (2006) Identification of candidate genes at the corticoseptal boundary during development. Gene Expression Patterns6 5: 471-481. doi:10.1016/j.modgep.2005.11.004

Robo1 regulates the development of major axon tracts and interneuron migration in the forebrain

Andrews, W., Liapi, A., Plachez, C., Camurri, L., Zhang, J. Y., Mori, S., Murakami, F., Parnavelas, J. G., Sundaresan, V. and Richards, L. J. (2006) Robo1 regulates the development of major axon tracts and interneuron migration in the forebrain. Development133 11: 2243-2252. doi:10.1242/dev.02379

Imaging, anatomical, and molecular analysis of callosal formation in the developing human fetal brain

Ren, T. B., Anderson, A., Shen, W. B., Huang, H., Plachez, C., Zhang, J. Y., Mori, S., Kinsman, S. L. and Richards, L. J. (2006) Imaging, anatomical, and molecular analysis of callosal formation in the developing human fetal brain.Anatomical Record - Part A: Discoveries in Molecular, Cellular, and Evolutionary Biology288A 2: 191-204. doi:10.1002/ar.a.20282

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor microimaging reveals a role for Bcl-x in brain development and homeostasis

Zhang, J. Y., Chen, Y. B., Hardwick, J. M., Miller, M. I., Plachez, C., Richards, L. J., Yarowsky, P., van Zijl, P. and Mori, S. (2005) Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor microimaging reveals a role for Bcl-x in brain development and homeostasis. Journal of Neuroscience25 8: 1881-1888. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4129-04.2005

Mapping postnatal mouse brain development with diffusion tensor microimaging

Zhang, J. Y., Miller, M. I., Plachez, C., Richards, L. J., Yarowsky, P., van Zijl, P. and Mori, S. (2005) Mapping postnatal mouse brain development with diffusion tensor microimaging. Neuroimage26 4: 1042-1051. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2005.03.009

Mechanisms of axon guidance in the developing nervous system

Plachez, C. and Richards, L. J. (2005) Mechanisms of axon guidance in the developing nervous system. Current Topics In Developmental Biology69 267-346. doi:10.1016/S0070-2153(05)69010-2

The transcription factor gene Nfib is essential for both lung maturation and brain development

Steele-Perkins, George, Plachez, Céline, Butz, Kenneth G., Yang, Guanhu, Bachurski, Cindy J., Kinsman, Stephen L., Litwack, E. David, Richards, Linda J. and Gronostajski, Richard M. (2005) The transcription factor gene Nfib is essential for both lung maturation and brain development. Molecular and Cellular Biology25 2: 685-698. doi:10.1128/MCB.25.2.685-698.2005

A new chemotaxis assay shows the extreme sensitivity of axons to molecular gradients

Rosoff, W. J., Urbach, J. S., Esrick, M. A., McAllister, R. G., Richards, L. J. and Goodhill, G. J. (2004) A new chemotaxis assay shows the extreme sensitivity of axons to molecular gradients. Nature Neuroscience7 6: 678-682. doi:10.1038/nn1259

Mechanisms regulating the development of the corpus callosum and its agenesis in mouse and human

Richards, L. J., Plachez, C. and Ren, T. (2004) Mechanisms regulating the development of the corpus callosum and its agenesis in mouse and human. Clinical Genetics66 4: 276-289. doi:10.1111/j.1399-0004.2004.00354.x

Abnormal development of forebrain midline glia and commissural projections in Nfia knock-out mice

Shu, Tianzhi, Butz, Kenneth G., Plachez, Celine, Gronostajski, Richard M. and Richards, Linda J. (2003) Abnormal development of forebrain midline glia and commissural projections in Nfia knock-out mice. Journal of Neuroscience,23 1: 203-212.

Cloning and cortical expression of rat Emx2 and adenovirus-mediated overexpression to assess its regulation of area-specific targeting of thalamocortical axons

Leingartner, A, Richards, LJ, Dyck, RH, Akazawa, C and O'Leary, DDM (2003) Cloning and cortical expression of rat Emx2 and adenovirus-mediated overexpression to assess its regulation of area-specific targeting of thalamocortical axons. Cerebral Cortex13 6: 648-660. doi:10.1093/cercor/13.6.648

Development of midline glial populations at the corticoseptal boundary

Shu, T. Z., Puche, A. C. and Richards, L. J. (2003) Development of midline glial populations at the corticoseptal boundary. Journal of Neurobiology57 1: 81-94. doi:10.1002/neu.10252

Neuropilin-1 conveys semaphorin and VEGF signaling during neural and cardiovascular development

Gu, C. H., Rodriguez, E. R., Reimert, D. V., Shu, T. Z., Fritzsch, B., Richards, L. J., Kolodkin, A. L. and Ginty, D. D. (2003) Neuropilin-1 conveys semaphorin and VEGF signaling during neural and cardiovascular development.Developmental Cell5 1: 45-57. doi:10.1016/S1534-5807(03)00169-2

Slit2 guides both precrossing and postcrossing callosal axons at the midline in vivo

Shu, T. Z., Sundaresan, V., McCarthy, M. M. and Richards, L. J. (2003) Slit2 guides both precrossing and postcrossing callosal axons at the midline in vivo. Journal of Neuroscience23 22: 8176-8184.

The glial sling is a migratory population of developing neurons

Shu, T. Z., Li, Y., Keller, A. and Richards, L. J. (2003) The glial sling is a migratory population of developing neurons.Development130 13: 2929-2937. doi:10.1242/dev.00514

Three-dimensional anatomical characterization of the developing mouse brain by diffusion tensor microimaging

Zhang, Jiangyang, Richards, Linda J, Yarowsky, Paul, Huang, Hao, van Zijl, Peter C. M and Mori, Susumu (2003) Three-dimensional anatomical characterization of the developing mouse brain by diffusion tensor microimaging.Neuroimage20 3: 1639-1648. doi:10.1016/S1053-8119(03)00410-5

Axonal pathfinding mechanisms at the cortical midline and in the development of the corpus callosum

Richards, L. J. (2002) Axonal pathfinding mechanisms at the cortical midline and in the development of the corpus callosum. Brazilian Journal of Medical And Biological Research35 12: 1431-1439. doi:10.1590/S0100-879X2002001200004

Surrounded by slit - How forebrain commissural axons can be led astray

Richards, LJ (2002) Surrounded by slit - How forebrain commissural axons can be led astray. Neuron33 2: 153-155. doi:10.1016/S0896-6273(02)00566-4

A role for cingulate pioneering axons in the development of the corpus callosum

Rash, B. G. and Richards, L. J. (2001) A role for cingulate pioneering axons in the development of the corpus callosum. Journal of Comparative Neurology434 2: 147-157. doi:10.1002/cne.1170

Cortical axon guidance by the glial wedge during the development of the corpus callosum

Shu, T. Z. and Richards, L. J. (2001) Cortical axon guidance by the glial wedge during the development of the corpus callosum. Journal of Neuroscience21 8: 2749-2758.

Development of the perforating pathway: An ipsilaterally projecting pathway between the medial septum/diagonal band of broca and the cingulate cortex that intersects the corpus callosum

Shu, T. Z., Shen, W. B. and Richards, L. J. (2001) Development of the perforating pathway: An ipsilaterally projecting pathway between the medial septum/diagonal band of broca and the cingulate cortex that intersects the corpus callosum. Journal of Comparative Neurology436 4: 411-422. doi:10.1002/cne.1077

Adenoviral vector-mediated rescue of the OMP-null phenotype in vivo

Ivic, L, Pyrski, MM, Margolis, JW, Richards, LJ, Firestein, S and Margolis, FL (2000) Adenoviral vector-mediated rescue of the OMP-null phenotype in vivo. Nature Neuroscience3 11: 1113-1120.

The spatial and temporal expression patterns of netrin receptors, DCC and neogenin, in the developing mouse retina

Gad, JM, Keeling, SL, Shu, TZ, Richards, LJ and Cooper, HM (2000) The spatial and temporal expression patterns of netrin receptors, DCC and neogenin, in the developing mouse retina. Experimental Eye Research70 6: 711-722. doi:10.1006/exer.2000.0823

Expression of the netrin-1 receptor, deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC), is largely confined to projecting neurons in the developing forebrain

Shu, TZ, Valentino, KM, Seaman, G, Cooper, HM and Richards, LJ (2000) Expression of the netrin-1 receptor, deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC), is largely confined to projecting neurons in the developing forebrain. Journal of Comparative Neurology416 2: 201-212. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1096-9861(20000110)416:2<201::AID-CNE6>3.0.CO;2-Z

Retinotectal maps: molecules, models and misplaced data

Goodhill, GJ and Richards, LJ (1999) Retinotectal maps: molecules, models and misplaced data. Trends in Neurosciences22 12: 529-534. doi:10.1016/S0166-2236(99)01469-1

Retinal axon guidance by region-specific cues in diencephalon

Tuttle, R, Braisted, JE, Richards, LJ and O'Leary, DDM (1998) Retinal axon guidance by region-specific cues in diencephalon. Development125 5: 791-801.

Directed growth of early cortical axons is influenced by a chemoattractant released from an intermediate target

Richards, LJ, Koester, SE, Tuttle, R and OLeary, DDM (1997) Directed growth of early cortical axons is influenced by a chemoattractant released from an intermediate target. Journal of Neuroscience17 7: 2445-2458.

Labeling neural cells using adenoviral gene transfer of membrane-targeted GFP

Moriyoshi, K, Richards, LJ, Akazawa, C, OLeary, DDM and Nakanishi, S (1996) Labeling neural cells using adenoviral gene transfer of membrane-targeted GFP. Neuron16 2: 255-260. doi:10.1016/S0896-6273(00)80044-6

Leukaemia inhibitory factor or related factors promote the differentiation of neuronal and astrocytic precursors within the developing murine spinal cord

Richards, LJ, Kilpatrick, TJ, Dutton, R, Tan, SS, Gearing, DP, Bartlett, PF and Murphy, M (1996) Leukaemia inhibitory factor or related factors promote the differentiation of neuronal and astrocytic precursors within the developing murine spinal cord. European Journal of Neuroscience8 2: 291-299. doi:10.1111/j.1460-9568.1996.tb01213.x

Lineage Specification of Neuronal Precursors in the Mouse Spinal-Cord

Richards, LJ, Murphy, M, Dutton, R, Kilpatrick, TJ, Puche, AC, Tan, SS, Talman, PS and Bartlett, PF (1995) Lineage Specification of Neuronal Precursors in the Mouse Spinal-Cord. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America92 22: 10079-10083. doi:10.1073/pnas.92.22.10079

The Regulation of Neural Precursor Cells Within the Mammalian Brain

Kilpatrick, TJ, Richards, LJ and Bartlett, PF (1995) The Regulation of Neural Precursor Cells Within the Mammalian Brain. Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience6 1: 2-15. doi:10.1006/mcne.1995.1002

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Rescues Motoneurons From Axotomy-Induced Cell-Death

Cheema, SS, Richards, LJ, Murphy, M and Bartlett, PF (1994) Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Rescues Motoneurons From Axotomy-Induced Cell-Death. Neuroreport5 8: 989-992. doi:10.1097/00001756-199404000-00034

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Prevents the Death of Axotomised Sensory Neurons in the Dorsal-Root Ganglia of the Neonatal Rat

Cheema, SS, Richards, L, Murphy, M and Bartlett, PF (1994) Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Prevents the Death of Axotomised Sensory Neurons in the Dorsal-Root Ganglia of the Neonatal Rat. Journal of Neuroscience Research37 2: 213-218. doi:10.1002/jnr.490370207

Regulation of the Early Development of the Nervous-System by Growth-Factors

Bartlett, PF, Kilpatrick, TJ, Richards, LJ, Talman, PS and Murphy, M (1994) Regulation of the Early Development of the Nervous-System by Growth-Factors. Pharmacology & Therapeutics64 3: 371-393. doi:10.1016/0163-7258(94)00044-1

Mutant Mouse Cerebellum Does Not Provide Specific Signals for the Selective Migration and Development of Transplanted Purkinje-Cells

Rosenfeld, JV, Richards, LJ and Bartlett, PF (1993) Mutant Mouse Cerebellum Does Not Provide Specific Signals for the Selective Migration and Development of Transplanted Purkinje-Cells. Neuroscience Letters155 1: 19-23. doi:10.1016/0304-3940(93)90664-7

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Promotes the Neuronal Development of Spinal-Cord Precursors From the Neural-Tube

Richards, LJ, Kilpatrick, TJ, Bartlett, PF and Murphy, M (1992) Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Promotes the Neuronal Development of Spinal-Cord Precursors From the Neural-Tube. Journal of Neuroscience Research33 3: 476-484. doi:10.1002/jnr.490330314

Denovo Generation of Neuronal Cells From the Adult-Mouse Brain

Richards, LJ, Kilpatrick, TJ and Bartlett, PF (1992) Denovo Generation of Neuronal Cells From the Adult-Mouse Brain.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America89 18: 8591-8595. doi:10.1073/pnas.89.18.8591

Consortia Publications

Dynamic interhemispheric desynchronization in marmosets and humans with disorders of the corpus callosum

Szczupak D., Yen C.C., Liu C., Tian X., Lent R., Tovar-Moll F. and Silva A.C. in collaboration with the IRC5 Consortium Dynamic interhemispheric desynchronization in marmosets and humans with disorders of the corpus callosum (2020). Frontiers in Neural Circuits doi:10.3389/fncir.2020.612595

International Brain Initiative: An innovative framework for coordinated global brain research efforts

International Brain Initiative (IBI) (2020) International Brain Initiative: An innovative framework for coordinated global brain research efforts. Neuron doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2020.01.002. * Richards L.J. co-corresponding author.

Erratum (2020) Neuron doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.02.022.

A Neuroethics Framework for the Australian Brain Initiative

Australian Brain Alliance (2019) A Neuroethics Framework for the Australian Brain Initiative. Neuron doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.01.004. * Richards L.J. co-corresponding author.

A Neuroethics Framework for the Australian Brain Initiative

Erratum (2020) A Neuroethics Framework for the Australian Brain Initiative. Neuron doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2019.12.019.

Australian Brain Alliance

Australian Brain Alliance (2016) Australian Brain Alliance Neuron 92: 597-600. doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2016.10.038. *Richards L.J. corresponding author.

Responsible innovation in neurotechnology enterprises

Garden, H., et al. (2019) Responsible innovation in neurotechnology enterprises, OECD Science, Technology and Industry Working Papers, No. 2019/05, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/9685e4fd-en.

Techniques used in the lab include:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging – diffusion tensor imaging (human and animal).
  • In utero surgery, in utero electroporation of genetic constructs to label cells, over-express genes, or knock-down protein expression by siRNA.
  • Tissue culture and in vitro primary cultures, including organotypic slice culture.
  • Neuroanatomical and Histological approaches including tract tracing, immunohistochemistry, cryostat, vibratome, freezing microtome and electron and confocal microscopy
  • Molecular Biological approaches including protein purification, PCR, Northern, and Western Blotting, in situ hybridisation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase assays and genomic analysis

Project 1: Human agenesis of the corpus callosum, autism spectrum disorder and brain wiring

Agenesis of the corpus callosum is a brain wiring alteration that occurs during brain development.  Many people have some characteristics that are similar to those with autism spectrum disorder. We are investigating brain wiring connectivity using high-field magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological testing to understand how brain connectivity underpins the function of the brain. We also want to understand the underlying causes of agenesis of the corpus callosum by performing genetic analyses of DNA from people with these disorders compared to controls.  The work will have a significant impact on our understanding of how changes in brain wiring impact brain function.

Opportunities exist for students with a background or interest in:  Neuroscience, genetics, magnetic resonance imaging and physics, neuropsychology, medicine, computer science (data analysis and software development).
 

Project 2: Function of genes and molecules in agenesis of the corpus callosum and brain developmental disorders

Identifying a causal genetic mutation in a person requires functional studies to determine if the mutation causes a change in the function of the gene. This work requires in-depth analysis in animal models to examine gene function in cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration and cortical wiring. We are interested to understand the basic mechanisms regulating these developmental events and hwo they are altered in human brain disorders including agenesis of the corpus callosum, ventriculomegaly, hydrocephalus and cortical malformations. This work has a significant translational impact on understanding the causes of brain developmental disorders.

Opportunities exist for students with a background or interest in:  Neuroscience, genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, glial development, animal behaviour, medicine.
 

Project 3: The function of early neuronal activity on the formation of neocortical circuits

How does the brain acquire its connectivity pattern during development? This project aims at elucidating the main roles of early sensory and spontaneous activity in the formation of neocortical circuits. By combining molecular, electrical and developmental manipulations in developing mammalian embryos and pups, this project will study how early events affect the precise formation of cortical features required for normal cognitive development. The work will have a significant impact on our understanding of how the brain is wired for function.

Opportunities exist for students with a background or interest in:  Neuroscience, developmental neurobiology, neurophysiology, electrophysiological signal analysis and/or computational sciences, mathematical modelling, medicine.
 

Project 4: Principles of neural development applied to understanding brain cancer

Brain cancer is a significant health problem in Australia. One of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer is glioblastoma (GBM) and the prognosis for these patients is extremely poor. What is needed is a deeper understanding of the cause of brain cancer. We are approaching this challenge by utilising the principles of neural development to understand how tumours first arise in the brain and how they are able to continue to grow and metastasize in order to find the causes and treatments for adult and pediatric brain cancers that originate from glia. Nuclear factor one (NFI) genes have been implicated in brain cancer and in glial development. We have generated a number of animal models of Nfi gene mis-expression to determine the function of NFI genes in brain cancer. This work will have a significant impact on our understanding of the cause and progression of brain cancer.

Opportunities exist for students with a background or interest in:  Neuroscience, genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, glial development, animal behaviour, medicine.
 

How to apply

Interview for Corpus Callosum Awareness Day 01/07/2020 Perth Now
Interview for Corpus Callosum Awareness Day 01/07/2020 Channel Nine News
Feature on the brain 06/04/2020 ABC 'Nightlife' Radio Program
'Westside power list: our top academic minds' 22/08/2019 'Westside News'

‘It’s all in your head: understanding your brain’

18/02/2019

ABC ‘Nightlife’ Radio Program

‘Same same but different: the evolution of the mammal brain’

04/09/2018

Cosmos Magazine

'Bridging the brain-mind gap’

09/05/2018

ABC Radio National

Article - ‘Out of their depth’ regarding the brains of teenagers

09/2017

‘Courier Mail’ ‘QWeekend’ Magazine

Comment on QBI researcher John McGrath’s latest psychosis and suicide risk research

09/2017

Medical Journal of Australia

‘Monday Expert’ – ‘Brain research fail: Scientists still have very little idea about what's going on up there'

29/05/2017

ABC 612 Radio

Article - women in science

03/2017

Westside News

Interview - ‘The mysterious corpus callosum’

08/01/2017

ABC 612 Radio

Short article - research identifying protein which can affect growth of brain cancer

07/2016

Australian Women’s Weekly

Comment - disorders of the corpus callosum

07/2016

Perth News

Comment - disorders of the corpus callosum

07/2016

Caboolture News

Interview - ‘The mysterious corpus callosum’

16/05/2016

ABC Radio National ‘All in the Mind’ Program

Interview - identification of a protein which plays a key role in brain cancer

04/2016

Courier Mail

Interview - ‘Cancer researchers find protein link that could boost detection and treatment’

20/04/2016

ABC 612 Radio

‘Top young brains compete in International Brain Bee Championship’

10/10/2015

The Science Show, ABC Radio

Comment - International Brain Bee

08/2015

AAP Newswire

Article - 'Great Australian Spelling Bee gives way to Brain Bee in Queensland’

20/08/2015

Courier Mail

‘Australian Brain Bee Challenge dispels myths, inspires students’

18/07/2015

The Science Show, ABC Radio

‘A New Day Set to Raise Awareness of Central Brain Structure’

01/07/2015

MedIndia Network for Health

Interview – ‘How sensory input can influence brain wiring’

08/2014

ABC Tropical North Radio

iInterview - Launch of the 7T scanner and raising awareness of corpus callosum disorders

06/2014

Channel 9 TV

Interview - Raising awareness of ABBC and QBI

06/2012

ABC TV 7.30 Report

Interview - Raising awareness of ABBC and QBI

03/2012

ABC 612 Radio

Interview - Raising awareness of glioma research and QBI

08/2011

Channel 9 TV

Interview - Raising awareness of ABBC and QBI

02/2010

ABC Sydney Radio

Interview - Raising awareness of ABBC and QBI

02/2010

Today Tonight TV

Interview - ABBC

03/2009

ABC 612 Radio

 

Interview - national final of the ABBC with Qld winner

08/2008

ABC 612 Radio

Interview - advertising brain awareness activities and raising the profile of brain research

03/2007

Triple J Radio

Interview - careers in neuroscience

07/2007

Courier Mail

Interview - activities for Brain Awareness Week at The University of Queensland

03/2006

ABC 612 Radio

Interview - advertising the Australian Brain Bee Challenge (ABBC)

03/2006

 

ABC 612 Radio

 

Interview - ‘QBI recruits family of top neuroscientists’

01/2006

 

Westside News

 

 

Article - ABBC

03/2006

Westside News

Interview - issues related to my research work on agenesis of the corpus callosum as the Toshiya Yamada memorial Lecturer at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience

03/2005

ABC 612 Radio

 

Interview - ABBC Mareeba Kids

24/07/2014

ABC Far North Radio

Interview - ABBC

23/07/2014

4BC Radio

‘Tannum team tops Australian Brain Bee Challenge’

08/07/2014

CQ News

‘Brain Bee Challenge won by Queensland's 'brainiest' student Sophie Watson’

23/07/2014

Brisbane Times

‘Brain Bee Challenge won by Queensland's 'brainiest' student Sophie Watson’

22/07/2014

Sydney Morning Herald

‘Brain Bee Challenge won by Queensland's 'brainiest' student Sophie Watson’

22/07/2014

Canberra Times

Research Areas

  • Axon guidance 
  • Cortical development

Our team

Group Leader


Researchers

  • Dr Jonathan Lim

    Queensland Brain Insitute
    Honorary Fellow
    Queensland Brain Institute

Students


Laboratory Staff