Molecular and neurogenic evolution of the thalamus

2026-07-22

Developmental programs are the playground for evolution. It is during development when most variation occurs. Therefore, developmental variations are the raw material for natural selection sculpting new adaptations. To unravel the evolutionary history of the thalamus, a paradigmatic example within the brain, I propose to compare the development of the thalamus at various levels and in various species of amniotes. At the level of neurogenesis, EvoThalamus proposes to describe the neurogenic formation of the thalamus: linking thalamic nuclei neurogenic time with their location and function. At molecular level, I will describe the transcriptional profiles of thalamic neurons during their differentiation and maturation in the circuit, understanding how transcriptomes diverge on the species along with circuit maturation. At functional level, I will study the broad connectivity routes of the thalamus with the rest of the brain. I propose, in a pioneering way, to integrate multilevel information, to compare all the data of development, transcriptomics and axonal connectivity in a model that links the molecular variations and the developmental program with the appearance of new nuclei and thalamic connections. I will work with chick and gecko embryos, and we will compare the data with those already published in mice. I will look for developmental variations, novelties of the neurogenic program that are not present in the development of the reptilian thalamus. I will find the changes in development that led to the greater complexity of the thalamus of birds and mammals. These evolutionary trends will be a reflection of the multitude of evolutionary changes that occurred in other brain regions. EvoThalamus will equip me with fresh insights into neurobiology, and brain development and evolution. This project will be instrumental for my career and will consolidate me as an independent female researcher in neuroscience.

Spain

2025-10-01