Bhattacharyya Laboratory
Research Goals & Interests
Anita Bhattacharyya, PhD
My research examines how the development of the cerebral cortex is altered in developmental disorders characterized by mental impairment. The cerebral cortex is the most complex area of the brain and is responsible for functions unique to humans, such as language and abstract thought. Problems in any of the crucial steps in the formation of the cerebral cortex can lead to mental impairment. Research in my lab is focused on two genetic developmental disorders, Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome. Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome (Trisomy 21), while Fragile X syndrome is due to a single gene mutation (fmr1 gene). I am using human pluripotent stem cells that carry either trisomy 21 or the fmr1 mutation to study the development of the cerebral cortex in vitro. These stem cells have intrinsic characteristics that can be investigated in culture to further our understanding and treatment of developmental disorders. By defining the mistakes in neurodevelopment that lead to mental impairment, we may be able to target therapeutics for these developmental disorders.
Relevant Publications
Bhattacharyya A, McMillan E, Chen SI, Wallace K and Svendsen CN. A critical period in cortical interneuron neurogenesis in Down syndrome revealed by human neural progenitor cells (in press, Developmental Neuroscience).
Kelley, DJ, Bhattacharyya A. Lahvis G, Yin JCP, Malter JS and Davidson RJ. (2008) The Cyclic AMP Phenotype of Fragile X and Autism. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. Oct;32(8):1533-43.
Bhattacharyya A, McMillan E, Tubon TC, Wallace K, Capowski EEand Svendsen CN.(2008) Normal neurogenesis and altered gene expression in human Fragile X cortical progenitor cells. Stem Cells and Development, February 1, 2008, 17(1): 107-118.
Kelley DJ, Davidson RJ, Elliot J, Lahvis G, Yin JCP, and Bhattacharyya A. (2007) The cyclic AMP cascade is altered in the Fragile X nervous system. PLoS One, Sep 26;2(9):e931.
Bhattacharyya A and Svendsen CN. (2003) Human neural stem cells: a new tool for studying cortical development in Down Syndrome. Genes, Brain and Behavior 2(3):179-186.
Svendsen CN, Bhattacharyya A, Tai YT (2001). Neurons from stem cells: preventing an identity crisis. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 2:831-834.