Deriving functional neurons from hIPSCs

Neuronal networks grown on petri dishes encode information as electrical activity. This activity is dictated by their underlying structural and functional connectivity. In my lab, we developed a fast and efficient protocol for generating motor neurons from mouse embryonic stem cells. These neurons are positive for the main neuronal markers (b-Tubulin III, MAP2, NeuN) and express markers of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters (Vglut). We want to expand this protocol to human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs) and provide evidence that these neurons are functional (ie can exhibit action potentials upon stimulation). The successful application will learn electrophysiology and will perform patch-clamp and MEA recoridngs on stem cell derived neurons. The project will be hosted by the School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading. The University of Reading is one of the UK’s 20 most research-intensive universities and among the top 200 universities in the world. This project will take place in the Brain Embodiment Lab within Biomedical Engineering Section of the School of Biological Sciences (SBS), which has a strong reputation for its innovative research in cybernetics, and biomedical engineering, including Brain Computer Interfaces, animats - robots controlled by cultures of living neuronal cells and cognitive robotics systems.

For informal inquiries please contact Dr. Evangelos Delivopoulos, email: [Email Address Removed]