Stem Cell Neurobiology includes scientists and clinician scientists whose primary research interest is in the fundamental and translational biology of the stem and progenitor cells of the nervous system (CNS) in health and disease.

A common interest amongst the PIs is how stem and progenitor cells are programmed to give rise to various types of glial cells (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) and neurons in the developing CNS and how these cells are affected in various neurological disorders.

To study these processes, several groups are developing and using cutting-edge human adult patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell-derived models in the dish, including complex three-dimensional tissue-like structures, such as organoids. These platforms help researchers uncover novel or more precise pathomechanisms that can be targeted to halt disease progression or to provide effective treatments. Stem cell transplantation strategies aiding adult CNS regeneration in brain and spinal cord disorders are also being developed by the PIs of this division, which have recently resulted in major international clinical trial programmes.

The discovery and clinical translational science themes are focused on demyelinating and inflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a common type of motor neuron disease, and mitochondrial diseases affecting the CNS and muscle tissue.

Work undertaken in this area is often conducted in collaboration with researchers in the Wellcome-MRC Stem Cell Institute, research centres at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and the Cambridge University Hospitals.

Principal Investigators 

Prof Roger Barker

Dr Jelle van den Ameele

Dr Mark Kotter

Dr András Lakatos

Dr Stefano Pluchino