The sheer number and diversity of cell types within the human brain is staggering. Understanding how cellular diversity is generated and organized in such a way that allows organisms to think and behave is of fundamental importance. All neurons within the brain are generated from neural stem cells, which are self-renewing multi-potent progenitors. Neural stem cells play a key role in regulating brain size and cell type diversity, since this population remains actively engaged in the cell cycle throughout development. While much effort is geared towards identifying molecular mechanisms regulating stem cell self-renewal, research in my lab is focused on the converse. What are the molecular mechanisms that terminate neural stem cell divisions once development is complete, which is essential for ensuring proper formation of brain circuitry and to inhibit tissue overgrowth and tumorigenesis. Beyond development, the answer to this fundamental question is of key importance for understanding age-related cognitive declines, mood disorders, and limited regenerative capacity of adult brains
