Morphogenetic processes This laboratory works an a novel signalling mechanism based on the intercellular transport of a specific class of transcription factors. These transcription factors, called homeoproteins, have important morphogenetic functions at all developmental stages. They are also expressed in the adult where they participate in adult physiology. According to recent studies done by this laboratory, this mode of signalling is involved in the patterning of neuronal networks and the regulation of brain plasticity, two key milestones for the proper development of the nervous system.