Disease Focus: Neurological Disorders
Identifying roadblocks to neural stem cell transplantation into human tissues.
Research Objective We will generate a comprehensive map of human neural stem cell differentiation profiles that will serve as a reference for enhancing neural stem cell-based therapies. Impact Our project will develop improved protocols for human neural stem cells differentiation, enhancing the fidelity, safety and robustness of future cell therapies. Major Proposed Activities Establish quantitative […]
Mapping the spatial and temporal responses of hESC-derived microglia to repeat mild closed head injury to identify therapeutic targets and mechanisms
Research Objective We will generate an RNA activation map of human stem cell derived microglia activation states following brain injury to then test a new gene-edited microglia peptide delivery mechanism. Impact Bottlenecks with the time and sex-dependent human microglia responses to repeat mild closed head injury and questions surrounding the delivery and efficacy of a […]
Functional genomics to study cellular convergence across ASD risk genes in neurodevelopment
Research Objective Our objective is to enable scalable genetic screening to study how neurogenesis is impacted by risk genes implicated in human psychiatric disorders. Impact We will develop and apply state-of-the-art genomic analysis to seek mechanisms and disease modifying solutions. Major Proposed Activities Identifying and validating efficient gRNA for gene editing Identify risk gene effects […]
Harnessing vascular stem cells to grow and protect the human brain
Research Objective The origins of brain vascular mural cells are unknown. This proposal will identify mural stem cells in the developing human and mouse brain and determine their impact on blood brain barrier formation. Impact Brain vascular diseases can have profound impacts on long-term neurological function. This proposal will map the stages of mural stem […]
Understanding Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Mechanisms using CRISPRi and Chemical Screens in Human iPSC-Derived Sensory Neurons
Research Objective The research objectives are to identify causal genes for chemotherapy-induced mitochondrial toxicity and neurodegeneration in sensory neurons and drugs that target this toxicity. Impact These studies will open the possibility for genetic or drug targeting to prevent and treat drug-induced peripheral neuropathies and possibly neuropathies caused by disease or inherited. Major Proposed Activities […]
Developing a Human Model of Sporadic ALS Using Machine Learning and Robotic Microscopy
Research Objective We will develop the first human stem cell model of sporadic ALS (sALS) to identify disease mechanisms in the most common form of ALS and to discover drugs to treat the vast majority of ALS patients. Impact Failure of drugs to treat sALS may be due to the use of models of familial […]
Developing a microglia replacement therapy
Research Objective To develop a new cell therapy for the brain by transplanting the brain's immune cells Impact The brain cell therapy we envision could be used to treat rare genetic metabolic diseases, Multiple Sclerosis, brain tumors, as well as common neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease. Major Proposed Activities Finding the best source of human […]
Development of a stem-cell based approach to interpret global effects of genetic variants contributing to neurodevelopmental disease risk
Research Objective We are developing a strategy to characterize the disease-relevance of hundreds of mutations across diverse genetic backgrounds using stem cells Impact Understanding how mutations impact cellular function can identify treatments for genetic diseases, but currently less than 1% of identified mutations have a known function. Major Proposed Activities Identify optimal conditions for SNV […]
Control of OCT4 abundance and function in human stem cells
Research Objective Our work will reveal an essential pathway that establishes precise levels of the OCT4 transcription factor and protects stem cell identity despite genetic or environmental stress. Impact Our work will enhance our ability to generate and expand high-quality induced pluripotent stem cells from older patients or patients of neurodegenerative disease for use in […]