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Gene and Cell Technology´s Profile image

Gene and Cell Technology

Research group
01.06.2022 -
A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences

Leaders

Early pre-clinical work in our laboratory shows that optoTrkB—a light-gated, optogenetic version of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptor—delivered selectively to parvalbumin (PV) interneurons promotes β-amyloid clearance and restores circuit function in an Alzheimer’s mouse model. This study reflects our overarching aim: integrate adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene transfer with activity-dependent control to develop new interventions for neurodegenerative disease. Our ultimate goal is to move these discoveries into the clinic and provide patients with precisely targeted genetic therapies.

Using cell-type-specific short promoters/enhancers together with rationally engineered AAV capsids, we maintain several complementary technology platforms:

  • Optogenetics – rapid, long-lasting plasticity via optoTrkB and forthcoming tools for microglial modulation
  • CRISPR/Cas9 – generation of isogenic and patient-derived hiPSC lines for accurate disease modelling
  • CRISPR/dCas9 – transcriptional interference and “reverse epigenetics” to silence pathogenic genes or remodel chromatin in hiPSC-derived cells
  • Immunogenetics – AAV-encoded single-chain variable fragments (scFv) designed to mitigate atrophic cascades

We invite academic and industry collaborators  to apply these tools, co-develop novel vectors, or design additional approaches, and we welcome motivated Master’s students (including Erasmus trainees) and PhD candidates to join our translational research programme. Contact us to explore collaborative projects or thesis opportunities.

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