Reduced LIS1 levels lead to a devastating developmental brain disorder called lissencephaly (smooth brain). However, LIS1 also functions in the adult mouse brain, so reduced LIS1 expression in mature brain cells might cause some of the worsening post-developmental phenotypes, including death, that occur in children with lissencephaly. Yet, the functions of LIS1 in the adult brain have remained largely uncharacterized. Dr. Deanna Smith, associate professor in the Department, was just awarded a $398,798, two year grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS, NIH) to address that question and study the cellular roles of LIS1 in the adult mammalian nervous system, with an emphasis on projection neurons and astrocytes. Congrats Deanna!