Renewal and differentiation in human neural stem cells and their application to understanding neurological disorders

Overview

The effective regeneration of brain tissue requires an understanding of the factors mediating the damage as well as the integration of new/replacement cells to form new functional neural networks. The isolation and expansion of human stem cells and limited neural lineage differentiation have provided the foundation for strategies in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. We utilise iPSC-derived NPCs and patient-derived (Alzheimer’s disease; AD) iPSCs and neural lineage differentiation of hMSCs, iPSC NPCs and AD iPSCs in neuronal and glial culture conditions, Cultures are examined by cell culture, microscopy, immunocytochemistry and genetic sequencing approaches (transcriptome, RNASeq) to identify global and pathway specific markers to confirm the key role of PGs and their associated factors regulating the neural lineage profile of the cells.

Approaches, skills and techniques

Techniques to be used in the project may include:

• In vitro (2D and 3D) cell culture of primary and immortalised human stem cells.
• Molecular genetic, molecular biology and imaging analyses of cell cultures.
• Data collection and analysis of cell models in context of other models within the team.

Outcomes

We will focus on PGs during lineage specific differentiation by altering their expression, cell and matrix interactions to improve differentiation efficiency. This will include targeting PGs in 2D and 3D cultures, to improve their lineage specificity.

Keywords

• Neurodegeneration
• Human stem cells
• Neural lineages
• Differentiation
• Specification
• Plasticity
• Proteoglycans
• Extracellular matrix

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.