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 focus on Parkinson’s disease.