Bio

I study the pathophysiology of developmental brain disorders by considering a glial component. For long research was focused on neurons, while glia dysfunction is increasing been shown to contribute to various neurological disorders. My research centers around induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology and disease models from patients with genetic neurodevelopmental disorders including Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), Rett syndrome, GRIN2B, Schizophrenia, and the brain white matter disorders 4H syndrome, Vanishing White Matter (VWM) and Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). My lab optimized procedures to generate human 2D or 3D iPSC-derived neuron-glia co-cultures that are functionally characterized by advanced microscopy, electrophysiology, proteomics and/or high content cellular screening. I performed ground studies that identified how neuron-glia interactions contribute to brain network dysfunctions in these genetic brain disorders.

I aim to develop better predictive disease models. Tissue-specific characteristics such as 3D architectures have a major impact on network behavior and disease phenotypes. I actively collaborate with experts in other fields to create optimized human neural microenvironment by 1) combining different neuron-glia partners, and 2) by incorporating brain-inspired 3D scaffolds to study changes in the extracellular matrix, cell-cell interactions and mechanobiology on cellular phenotypes in human iPSC models.
I aim to integrate iPSC applications in society. My experiences in the iPSC field made me aware we need to harmonize expertise to make iPSC valuable models for identifying molecular pathways underlying disease manifestation, drug screening, toxicity/safety testing. The current high variability hampers the progression of novel clinical effective drugs. My drive to make a difference is shown by my initiatives to install iPSC expertise center, biobank, and core facilities