Growing human brain cells to study & tackle neurodegenerative processes

In order to study the cellular mechanisms of neurodegeneration in humans during aging or in pathological condition (Dominant Optical Atrophy, Alzheimer’s disease), my project aims to develop models of human neurons in culture. We chose a direct conversion approach from fibroblasts to neurons, which allows to preserve epigenetic and metabolic signatures related to age, unlike the use of reprogrammed stem cells. Obtaining such models from patient biopsy will allow us to test and validate the effectiveness of certain treatments aimed at improving mitochondrial and neuronal deficits associated with these diseases. 

Human induced neuron on day 35 of trans-differentiation.
Detection by immunofluorescence of neuronal markers MAP2 (green) and Tau (red).