Dr. Ebert’s research interests include understanding the contribution of astrocytes and microglia to motor neuron loss in both spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the mechanisms of sensory neuron sensitization in sickle cell disease, and the impact of herpesvirus infection on neurodevelopment and Alzheimer’s disease pathology.
Stem Cells
Seminar – Robert Krencik, PhD – “Neuromodulation of Bioengineered Organoids with Reactive Human Astrocytes”
Dr. Krencik’s specific research goals are to uncover the mechanisms by which human astrocytes modulate neuronal activity during healthy and diseased states.
Seminar – Timothy LaVaute, PhD – Topic: NIH Somatic Cell Genome Editing Program
Dr. LaVaute oversees the NINDS P30 Neuroscience Cores Grant Program, is the NINDS point of contact for the NIH’s Regenerative Medicine Innovation Project, and the NIH Common Fund’s Somatic Cell Genome Editing Program.
David Gamm, MD, PhD – Slide of the Week
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes blindness due to loss of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors (PRs), which comprise the two outermost layers of the retina.
Research beyond Waisman Center: Discoveries that have spun into products
Multiple discoveries born from the minds and hard work of Waisman Center investigators have left the nest to become successful companies or products that have had a significant impact in the world through translational research.
Seminar – Xue-jun Li, PhD – “Uncovering the Mechanisms of Motor Neuron Development and Degeneration Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells”
Dr. Li’s research includes combining cellular, molecular, bioengineering and system approaches, research in her lab aims to understand the pathogenic mechanisms underlying motor neuron and axonal degeneration, and to develop therapeutics for the treatment of these debilitating diseases.
New Machine Learning Tool Helps Researchers Demonstrate Effectiveness of Stem Cell Based Models
Today, many researchers are using brain organoids – miniaturized and simplified versions of organs produced in a dish typically from stem cells – as analogs for studying the development of the human brain.
Timothy M. Gomez, PhD – Slide of the Week
Photoreceptors (PRs) are the primary visual sensory cells, and their loss leads to blindness that is currently incurable. Although cell replacement therapy holds promise, success is hindered by our limited understanding of PR axon growth during development and regeneration.
Masatoshi Suzuki, DVM, PhD – Slide of the Week
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disease in which patients gradually become paralyzed due to loss of motor function. Many genetically inheritable mutations have been linked to ALS; however, the majority of ALS patients are considered sporadic.
Pioneering research brings potential Parkinson’s disease treatment one step closer
Over two decades of fundamental research in Parkinson’s disease led by Su-Chun Zhang, MD, PhD, professor of neuroscience and neurology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Waisman investigator, has culminated in the development of a promising stem cell-based treatment for the disease.