Cell Line Generation: iPS Cell
Developing a therapeutic candidate for Canavan disease using induced pluripotent stem cell
Canavan disease is a devastating disease of infants which affects their neural development and leads to mental retardation and early death. It occurs in 1 in 6,400 persons in the U.S. and there is no treatment so far. We propose to generate genetically-repaired and patient-specific stem cells (called iPSCs) from patients’ skin cells, and then […]
Crosstalk: Inflammation in Parkinson’s disease (PD) in a humanized in vitro model
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder. It is characterized by motor impairment such as slowness of movements, shaking and gait disturbances. Age is the most consistent risk factor for PD, and as we have an aging population, it is of upmost importance that we find therapies to limit the social, economic […]
Developing a drug-screening system for Autism Spectrum Disorders using human neurons
Autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental diseases that affect 1 in 150 children in the United States. Such diseases are mainly characterized by deficits in verbal communication, impaired social interaction, and limited and repetitive interests and behavior. Because autism is a complex spectrum of disorders, a different combination of genetic mutations is […]
Deep phenotyping of human brain organoid models of autism spectrum disorder to unravel disease heterogeneity and develop biomarkers and treatments
Research Objective We will uncover pathways through which ASD mutations cause disease and close the gap from disease research to therapeutic testing using organoids, primary human neurons, machine learning and AAVs. Impact Our studies are impactful because outcomes will lead to therapeutic avenues to pursue for ASD treatment. 1 in 22 children in California is […]
A Center for Stem Cell Disease Modeling and Therapeutics
The goal of this project is to support the discovery and evaluation of novel therapeutics using stem cell-based models and drug and CRISPR screening. The facility will provide California researchers access to tools, technologies, and resources for regenerative medicine research. This project benefits California by helping accelerate research to find cures for major diseases of […]
Immune cloaking of human stem cell-derived insulin-producing cells for curative cell therapy without immunosuppression
Research Objective The goal of our project is to generate cells for replacement therapy in patients that have reduced ability to trigger the immune response in the recipient and therefore escape rejection. Impact We test a novel molecule that reduces immune activation upon transplantation of allogeneic stem cell products that can improve graft survival and […]
Modeling of GATAD2B-associated neurodevelopmental disorder and NuRDopathies: Investigation of cellular & molecular anomalies altering neurodevelopment
Research Objective Human and animal models of NuRD-deficiency will identify NuRD-subtype function in context of neurogenesis. Multi-omic studies will identify/quantify molecular and cellular changes in NuRD-deficiency. Impact NuRD-deficiency causes several neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), our work will identify and quantify cellular and molecular changes in human and mouse models of corticogenesis with NuRD deficiency. Major Proposed […]
Modeling and understanding alveolar hypoplasia in Down syndrome using iPSCs-derived alveolar type II cells
Research Objective Understanding alveolar progenitor cell defects in T21 and the genes/pathways associated with them will allow for developing therapeutic approaches for individuals with DS. Impact Although trisomy 21 affects multiple organ system, respiratory complications are the major cause of death in kids and adults with DS. The causes of lung disease in DS remain […]
hPSC-derived enteric ganglioids for cell therapy in gastrointestinal motility disorders
Research Objective The proposed aims will enable the generation, purification and characterization of enteric neurons from diverse hiPSCs and assessment of their efficacy for cell therapy in GI motility disorders. Impact This proposal addresses a significant unmet clinical need for a cell therapy approach for gastrointestinal motility disorders such as Hirschsprung disease, achalasia and gastroparesis. […]
Modeling Retinitis Pigmentosa using patient-derived human iPSC organoids
Research Objective The objective of this proposal is to develop a human retinal organoid model of adRP to gain insights in pathogenesis and assess clinically relevant approaches to restore RHO protein function. Impact Upon successful completion of this study, we will have established a disease-in-a-dish model and a novel therapeutic approach towards management of the […]