David D. Ginty

World leader in the study of the development and organization of the peripheral nervous system. Known for his fundamental discoveries of axon growth and guidance mechanisms, and neuronal survival signaling pathways that sculpt the developing nervous system. His discoveries have also revealed principles of development, organization, and function of neurons that underlie the sense of touch and pain. Using mouse genetic approaches, he characterized the development and organization of physiologically distinct populations of low-threshold mechanosensory neurons which respond to touch. This elegant work revealed the core principles underlying touch circuit formation and function.