Stem Cells and Neural Development Laboratory

There are a number of major research themes running within the laboratory, including:​

• Improving our understanding of neural development;
• Molecular mechanisms underlying axonal targeting and synaptogenesis
• Establishing protocols for directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells;
• The use of stem-cell derived neurons for cell-replacement therapy
• Strategies to improve graft survival, integration and function
• Bioengineering scaffolds to support neural transplant

Research within the group primarily focuses on the development of midbrain dopamine neurons and their transplantation into models of Parkinson’s disease, yet also branches into the generation of other neuronal populations for grafting into various disease models including stroke.