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The Monje Lab studies the molecular and cellular mechanisms of postnatal neurodevelopment. This includes microenvironmental influences on neural precursor cell fate choice in normal neurodevelopment and in disease states. Areas of emphasis include neuronal instruction of gliogenesis, cellular contributions to the neurogenic and gliogenic signaling microenvironment, molecular determinants of neural precursor cell fate, and the role of neural precursor cells in oncogenesis and repair mechanisms. As a practicing neurologist and neuro-oncologist, Dr Monje is particularly interested in the roles for neural precursor cell function and dysfunction in the origins of pediatric brain tumors and the consequences of cancer treatment.

Much of brain development occurs after birth. Maturation of complex neural circuitry necessary for high-level cognitive and motor functions occurs throughout childhood and young adulthood. Central to the process of developing or strengthening these functional neural circuits is the generation of new glial cells for neuronal support, synapse formation and myelination. In some brain regions, such as the hippocampus, new neuron production occurs throughout postnatal life and is believed to subserve normal memory function.

Maryland Pediatric Cancer Fund and Commission (2024 HB51/SB13): The Maryland Dept of Health, via a 13-member expert Commission (incl 1 pediatric oncologist physician and 2 pediatric cancer researchers from UM), will allocate $5M in FY25 for research in Maryland “to develop and advance the understanding of pediatric cancer and the techniques and modalities effective in the prevention, cure, screening, and treatment of pediatric cancer.” Dr. Civin attended the bill signing ceremony where Governor Wes Moore signed House Bill 51/Senate Bill 13 into Maryland law. We hope that the Maryland Pediatric Cancer Fund and Commission Act will be funded annually by State of Maryland budget allocations.