We have a particular interest in the genetic causes of neurodegeneration, especially Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. We use iPSC-based cellular models and CRISPR screening methodologies as well as naturally occurring genetic variation to identify the genes involved, classify pathways and understand the consequences of genetic mutations. We work as part of the OpenTargets consortium on two main projects, Neuroinflammation and NeuroID. We also develop novel cutting-edge CRISPR screening techniques such as saturation mutagenesis, base editing, dual guide libraries and CRISPRa/i and couple these to complex phenotypic readouts such as single cell transcriptomics, spatial genomics or phenotypic assays of cellular function. We also work with and develop human cellular systems and differentiation protocols of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)to better model human disease states in vitro.
