Our research focuses on how the human neocortex develops with the correct size, shape and organisation, and the role of the extracellular matrix in these processes. The extracellular matrix is highly abundant in the developing human neocortex, but its function in neocortex development is not yet fully understood. To address this we use an interdisciplinary approach to look at the cellular and mechanical mechanisms by which the extracellular matrix drives the development of the human neocortex, including the formation of the folds present on the surface of the neocortex, and how dysregulation of these functions can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders.

Please see my  Research Staff Profile  for more detail.

Find out more about my research:

• Katie Long
• Development of Human Neocortex

Key publications:

• Long et. al., 2018. Extracellular matrix components HAPLN1, lumican and collagen I cause hyaluronic acid-dependent folding of the developing human neocortex. Neuron.
• Long et. al., 2019. How the extracellular matrix shapes neural development. Open Biology.
• Long et al., 2016. Integrin signaling regulates the expansion of neuroepithelial progenitors and neurogenesis via Wnt7a and Decorin. Nature Communications.
• Kalebic et al., 2019. Neocortical Expansion Due to Increased Proliferation of Basal Progenitors Is Linked to Changes in Their Morphology. Cell Stem Cell.
• Güven et al., 2020. Extracellular Matrix-Inducing Sox9 Promotes Both Basal Progenitor Proliferation and Gliogenesis in Developing Neocortex. ELife.

View all publications.