Our research

My group works with translational stem cell biology. The focus of my research is to understand cell fate specification in the developing brain and in human neural progenitor cells, using cell-based models of neuronal differentiation. Our current focus is to learn how to direct and efficiently drive controlled differentiation of human stem cells into subtype-specific neurons.

We also develop technologies for direct conversion of human fibroblasts into functional and subtype-specific neurons in vitro, and the conversion of endogenous glia into neurons in vivo. The ultimate aim is to develop these cells and technologies for use in brain repair, with a focus on Parkinson’s disease.

Aims

• Develop a stem cell-based therapy for Parkinson’s Disease.
• Use reprogramming to repair the brain.
• Patient-specific treatments in Parkinson’s Disease.
• Use cellular models to better understand and diagnose neurodegenerative diseases.

Impact

My vision is to create new, innovative, and evidence-based strategies for improved and novel treatments, disease-modifying therapies, and eventually cures for neurodegenerative diseases. The true opportunity of this work lies in the potential to deliver patient-specific treatments as well as curative stem cell-based therapies to patients globally.

How our research contributes to the goals of MultiPark

MultiPark’s vision is to create innovative approaches for the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and eventually cures for neurodegenerative diseases. My work focus on cell repair and cell models which is central to these aims both for developing new therapies and for understanding and diagnosis disease. Our research addresses the aim of MultiPark's working group 2. 

Research Team & Publications

Read about publications and research team members of the Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology in the LU Research Portal.