We study brain abnormalities in rats with Hirschsprung's disease. Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital condition characterized by the absence of enteric ganglia and neurological anomalies. This disease in rats, as in human, can be caused by endothelin receptor B (EDNRB) mutation. We have shown that EDNRB mediates neuronal proliferation and has anti-apoptotic effects in neonatal rat cerebellum and hippocampus. We aim to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the brain damages of Hirschsprung's disease, using a rat model (spotting lethal rats) that lacks functional EDNRB.

Teaching and outreach

• MEDI8010, MED8020 (anatomy, embryology)
• BIOL3186, Introductory Human Anatomy