My research focuses on the novel generation of subtype specific neurons, e.g. interneurons through direct reprogramming. Interneurons are specific neuronal subtypes in the brain that are paramount for neural function. Loss or dysfunction of interneurons in the cortex is implicated in several brain disorders such as psychiatric diseases.

My research uses advanced technology to generate interneurons from novel cell sources with the aim to extensively define the subtype and function of the novel interneurons and their possibility for therapeutic use in the future. For this we are using reprogramming technology in animal models or human stem cell culture system, together with electrophysiology, RNA sequencing, tracing technologies and cell specific manipulation.

Background:

My research career started during my PhD studies in Prof. Cenci Nilsson’s laboratory LU where I focused on behavioural pharmacology in Parkinson’s disease models. For my first post-doc I went abroad to Rome, Italy to learn patch-clamp electrophysiology in Prof. Calabresi’s laboratory as a project leader of EU collaboration (F7, REPLACES) studying synaptic plasticity after cell transplantation to the brain. In 2013 I returned to Lund as senior postdoc in Prof. Parmar’s group to learn neurodevelopment and direct reprogramming in brain repair. Here I independently set up a new electrophysiological platform to analyse functional integration of in vivo reprogrammed cells and stem-cell derived neurons.

In my most recent project we showed that the majority of in vivo reprogrammed cells become a specific type of interneurons. To continue to work on these interneurons in a field outside of Parkinson’s disease will be my future prospect.

Our research uses advanced technology to generate neurons from novel cell sources with the aim to extensively define the subtype and function of the generated neurons and their potential for therapeutic use in the future. For this we are using reprogramming technology in animal models or human stem cell culture system, together with electrophysiology, RNA sequencing, tracing technologies and cell specific manipulation. 

In our most recent study we showed that it is possible to direct reprogram residual immune cells in the living brain into a specific type of interneurons that are implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. Our current aim is to continue this study with more extensive analysis of the new neurons and to assess their potential for future cell therapy for brain diseases.