Characterization of stem cell-derived human dopaminergic neuron subtypes

The goals of this proposal are to develop methods to identify cell subgroups in dopaminergic (DA) neuron cultures obtained by differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC), and to exploit this information to improve existing DA neuron differentiation protocols. To realize these goals, we will leverage expertise at STEMCELL Technologies in hPSC differentiation and Simon Fraser University (SFU) in high content screening and laboratory automation. In four specific aims we will; (1) automate DA neuron differentiation from induced hPSCs (iPSCs), (2) identify known DA neuron subgroups in these cultures using established antibody markers, and (3) identify morphological features of cellular organelles to facilitate identification of these subgroups using an automated cell profiling approach. Finally we will, (4) use these novel morphological features to screen a compound library of known bioactive molecules for those that increase the specificity of DA neuron differentiation to these subtypes

Faculty Supervisor:

David Vocadlo;Dr. Lisa Julian

Student:

Partner:

STEMCELL Technologies Canada Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Manufacturing; Mining; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: