Precise organization of neuronal connections is essential for brain connectivity and function. Dr. Fabienne Poulain, assistant professor in the Department, was awarded a five year R01 grant for $1,955,935 from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) to conduct a project entitled "Role of proteoglycan-mediated trans-axonal signaling in pre-target topographic sorting". The proposed studies aim at elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which axons communicate with each other and become topographically ordered en route to their target during development. Results from this work will provide a better understanding of nervous system wiring in hopes of developing new therapeutic strategies in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders or after nerve injury.