Cellular reprogramming for neurodegenerative disease modeling, diagnostics and repair

We use cellular reprogramming to convert resident brain cells, such as glia, into neurons in the living brain. With a similar method, we may also convert somatic cells directly into other cell types such as neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, for basic research, disease modeling as well as for therapeutic purposes.

In alignment with MultiPark's strategic goals

• To understand the origins and progression of neurodegenerative disease (by establishing and exploring new disease models based on reprogrammed patient cells and new animal models that better re-capitulate disease related pathology. This is usable for mechanism-oriented studies and drug screening.).
• To create new therapeutic approaches for prevention, disease modification and management of unmet medical needs (i.e methods for developing novel disease modifying, plasticity-enhancing, or symptomatic treatments).

Overarching goals

• Foster collaborations between pre-clinical and clinical research groups with an interest in cellular reprogramming.
• Increase the interaction and networking between students and post-docs within the special interest group.
• Collectively strengthen the technical infrastructure and core facilities related to cellular reprogramming.

Planned activities

• Meetings, alternating between project presentations and discussion of topics such as disease aspects to target, technologies, infrastructure, grants etc.
• Project meetings starts with presentations of mature but not yet published studies and will be open for everyone. These are followed by a PI only discussion.