Laboratory of Neural Connectivity

Our ability to perceive and shape the world is determined by the neural circuits in our brains. These circuits form during development—but, contrary to traditional assumptions, it is becoming clear that they can also form anew in the adult brain. How is this possible, and what can the new circuits do? Pursuing these questions leads to a still more fundamental one: how brain circuits are maintained throughout life.

Our research takes up these questions by studying rewiring in the adult brain. We investigate the molecular mechanisms that reactivate axon growth in adult neurons—a critical first step in circuit formation—and characterize the new circuits and their effects on brain function. Building on this, we are examining the mechanisms that preserve the integrity of neural circuits across the lifespan, and how their failure may contribute to brain disease and aging.

Csaba Földy is an Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Brain Research Institute. He received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UC Irvine, and completed his postdoctoral training with Tom Südhof and Rob Malenka at Stanford University, before moving to Zürich.