Recent technological advances in the biomedical field as a whole, to which our center has contributed, have allowed us to develop different subtypes of human brain cells in a dish from individual patients by making human stem cells from adult tissue. Using just a small sample of blood, we can generate a self-renewing source of stem cells, which in turn provides us with a virtually unlimited supply of brain cells with the same genetic background as the individual who donated the blood sample. This allows us an unprecedented level of access to human brain cells, derived from the patients we see in the clinic. This relatively new technology is transforming the way disorders of the nervous system are studied.
There is a strong potential for this technology to: 1) identify the underlying causes of neurodegenerative disease in different patient populations, 2) identify personalized strategies for treatments, and 3) test responsiveness to therapeutics in brain cells from different human donors. This technology can be used to study all neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, autism, ALS and mental illness. A new initiative in our center – the iPSC NeuroHub – aims to make the cells, tools and protocols accessible to labs studying all of these diseases in our center.
Administration
The NeuroHub is able to assist with and coordinate legal and compliance requirements such as:
- IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval protocols
- MTAs (Material Transfer Agreements)
- Acquistion and shipment of cell lines from outside sources
- Collaboration letters and letters of support for the use of iPSCs
Contact the iPSC NeuroHub for more information on these matters.
Education
One of the main goals for the iPSC NeuroHub is to provide 1-on-1 training and consultation, seminars, and workshops for lab members.
Consultations
For example, we are happy to discuss protocols, look at cells with you during the culture and differentiation process and provide counsel on reagents, protocol optimizations and end-point assays.
For 1-on-1 training or questions please contact the iPSC NeuroHub.
Seminars and Workshops
The iPSC NeuroHub gives several seminars about stem cell related topics during the year. Check out the Events Calendar for upcoming events!
Journal Club
The NeuroHub JC meets monthly to discuss current and relevant iPSC-releated advances and research. Check out the Events Calendar for the next meeting. Please contact Christina Muratore if you are interested in presenting an article or topic.
Research
Currently, the NeuroHub is acquiring, expanding, banking, and distributing iPSCs for the ARCND community. Future goals include optimizing new protocols for making different types of brain cells that are relevant to disease. For example, we now can make different types of neurons and astrocytes in a dish from iPSCs. However, protocols are needed for generating two cell types very important for disease progression in MS – oligodendrocytes and T-cells. Gaining the ability to make these types of cells would improve our overall models of “brains in a dish” and would greatly help our colleagues studying MS here in our center (and beyond!).