The last part of our program is based on the fact that iPS cell lines which express a disease - related mutant gene could represent a relevant
human cellular model for disease modeling and drug screening.
As part of a large collaborative experimental group studying the genetic basis of neuropsychiatric disorders, his work centers on chromatin modeling and epigenetic factors in this disease spectrum
using human cellular models.
«We have developed
a human cellular model for studying brain development in Down syndrome that allows us to carry out detailed physiological studies and screen possible new therapies,» said Wenbin Deng, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular medicine and principal investigator of the study.
Interestingly, when compared to
human cellular models, mouse models of PD did not demonstrate the same toxic cascade, according to the study.
Here researchers were able to work with
a human cellular model genetically identical to that of the patients.
«We haven't had
human cellular models that faithfully reproduce this feature of the disease,» said Gottesfeld.
«Importantly, we found that in both the rat and
human cellular models, removing alpha - synuclein reduced LRRK2 - related cell death — which was completely unexpected,» continued Dr. Skibinski.