Gene and Cell Technology
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.
News
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Restoring the function of interneuron cells is being sought as a treatment for Alzheimer's diseaseRestoring the function of interneuron cells is being sought as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease
A research project focused on combating Alzheimer's disease has been awarded a 90,000 euro grant by the Jane and Aatos Erko Foundation. Led by docent… -
Study explains how antidepressant increases brain plasticity
Study explains how antidepressant increases brain plasticity
Researchers from the University of Helsinki and the University of Eastern Finland have conducted a recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology,…
Cooperation
Keywords
Leaders
Senior Researchers
Doctoral Researchers
Other group members
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Mayuko Shimizu-Ichimura [email protected]
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Lisa Rampazzo [email protected]
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Akram Khoshnoudfar [email protected]