We develop and employ cellular reprogramming to comprehensively analyze human diseases at molecular and cellular level paving the way for novel therapeutic approaches. Our focus is on neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegeneration and cardiovascular disease. We were able to show for the first time direct conversion of skin cells into multipotent neural stem cells, designated as iNSC (induced neural stem cells). Though artificially induced, iNSCs do not differ from their counterparts derived either from pluripotent stem cells or primary tissue. Employing iNSCs we simulate the development of the human nervous system in the culture dish and analyze regeneration and repair mechanisms of the brain. Studying diseases, such as Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Spinal Cord Injury, with iNSCs will help us to develop novel therapeutic interventions and eventually result in stem cell-based autologous cell replacement therapies.
From patient samples, to in vitro disease models, all the way to novel therapeutic approaches. This figure gives an overview of the pipeline of cellular reprogramming, direct conversion and disease modeling applied in our lab. Click on the illustration to learn more about our ongoing projects in detail.
From patient samples, to in vitro disease models, all the way to novel therapeutic approaches. This figure gives an overview of the pipeline of cellular reprogramming, direct conversion and disease modeling applied in our lab. Click on the illustration to learn more about our ongoing projects in detail.
