Can you briefly describe the research topics included in your SIG?
“Reprogramming is most known for generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from fibroblast but has also been used to directly convert somatic cells into other cell types such as neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. In addition, reprogramming can be achieved inside the living brain by converting various resident cells into neurons. Our focus on cellular preprogramming is to convert one cell type into a desired one in the context of neurodegenerative disorders, both in vitro and in vivo. Reprogramming is a powerful tool to generate patient cells for disease modeling and transplantation purposes, as well as directly in the brain.”
Which of MultiPark’s strategic goals does it best align with?
“We want to understand the origins and progression of neurodegenerative disease by establishing and exploring new disease models based on reprogrammed cells and new animal models that better re-capitulate disease related pathology. This is usable for mechanism-oriented studies and drug screening. Further, our projects may help to create new therapeutic approaches for prevention, disease modification, and management of unmet medical needs. Hopefully, joint efforts in this area will provide methods for developing novel plasticity-enhancing, symptomatic, or curative treatments.”
What are your overarching goals?
“We aim to foster collaborations between pre-clinical and clinical research groups with an interest in cellular reprogramming. Increasing interaction and networking between students and post-docs within the special interest group is another goal. Collectively, we hope to strengthen the research as well as technical infrastructure and core facilities related to cellular reprogramming.”
What activities do you plan?
"We decided on having meetings that alternate between project presentations and discussion of topics such as disease aspects to target, technologies, infrastructure, grants etc and some meetings will be coupled with a social event. At project meetings, presentations are focused on mature but not yet published studies (nominated by PIs) and they are open for everyone."
How many early-career researchers (PhD students, postdocs) are affiliated with this SIG?
“Around 16.”
How do you think that early-career researchers can contribute to the SIG?
“They will contribute to increasing interaction and networking between groups. This will facilitate new collaborations and joint applications for funding.”
