Our research
Reprogramming somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and directed differentiation opens up for studies on neural cells from patients. The Falk group is focusing on fundamental questions in early human neurogenesis. We build cellular models of the healthy and diseased human brain using reprogrammed patient cells. We derive patient specific iPS cells that are further differentiated into patient specific neuroepithelial stem (NES) cells or into 3D brain organoids. We use the cellular models to study proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation potential as well as the maturation and function of derived neurons to uncover disease mechanisms.
The Neural Stem Cells lab is also driving translational projects investigating the regenerative potential of iPS cell derived neural cells in preclinical models with the aim to create ATMPs to take iPS derived cell to clinic. We have derived one of few clinical compliant GMP iPS cell lines that we have banked in a master bank and we are now investigating the route forward to clinic.

Aims
•    To understand how neural stem cells make their fate choices between self-renewal and differentiation? Between neurons and glia? How are these decisions hampered in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders? What impact have proper cell adhesion, organisation and polarity on the fate choices?
•    The investigate the regenerative potential of iPS derived cell types and the routes forward to clinic

Impact
With our research we aim to uncover the molecular and cellular causes of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders for future treatment targets. We are further aiming to drive the field of iPS cell therapies towards clinical treatment.