Lab Members

Our research team runs several related projects studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the development of axonal connections in the brain. In particular, our aim is to uncover the principles underlying thalamocortical axonal wiring, maintenance and ultimately the rewiring of connections, through an integrated experimental programme.

I joined López-Bendito lab in June 2015. Combining electrophysiology and calcium imaging in vivo, I study the role of spontaneous and sensory-driven activity in thalamocortical development and cortical function. 

I’m interested in understanding how the interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms during development leads to the emergence of different cell types and areas in the neocortex. Since I joined the lab, in November 2017, I’ve been studying the role of spontaneous activity in the arealization of the neocortex. I also look at how cortical neurons are arranged in the barrel field.

Ph.D in Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Madrid, Faculty of Medicine, Madrid, Spain, 2020
Email: dtorres@umh.es

I arrived at the lab in September 2020 because I am interested in understanding the role played by perinatal activity in the formation of thalamocortical circuits. I use both in vitro and in vivo recordings of electrical activity and calcium imaging. I am interested in the biophysics and machine learning approaches too, such as matrix factorization, as a way to explore this kind of data.

Since I joined the lab, in February 2023, I have been interested in illuminating the anatomical organisation and functional contribution of inhibitory neurons to the developing Superior Colliculus circuitry. To this end, I use a combination of distinct approaches including sensory-deprived mouse models, in vivo meso-scale imaging and genetic manipulation of target cell populations.

I am interested in the importance of region-specific transcriptional signature in astrocytes and its importance in the recovery of sensory connections by the reprogramming of astrocytes to neurons. Since I joined the lab in 2019, I have been working on virally-mediated in vitro/in vivo reprogramming.

Astrocytes and neurons share the expression of defined sets of genes, that are specific to the brain region in which they reside. Since I joined the lab in 2021 I am interested in exploring the functional meaning of the shared transcriptional «signature” between these two cell types, to deepen our understanding of astrocytic heterogeneity within their relationship with neurons.

From 2012, I have been in charge of the maintenance of the laboratory stocks, cell cultures media, organotypic cultures, in situ hybridization and perfusion. I am also specialized in the electron microscopy technique. At present, I am doing electron microscopy in the prenatal and postnatal thalamus.

Since I joined the laboratory in November 2014, I am in charge of the management of the transgenic mouse lines colonies of the laboratory. I am also specialized in the in utero electroporation technique of DNA constructs in thalamus and cortex.

Since I joined the laboratory in 2010, I have been in charge of the administrative management and financial aspects of the scientific projects of the lab.