Description
The development and maturation of the Brain is governed by intricate epigenetic mechanisms that dynamically regulate gene expression from embryogenesis to postnatal refinement. Chromatin accessibility and DNA methylation play central roles in neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and circuit formation. Notably, the brain uniquely accumulates non-CpG DNA methylation after birth, a process essential for proper function and memory formation, which is disrupted in several neurodevelopmental disorders. However, studying this epigenetic regulation is challenging, as human in vitro cultures fail to exhibit non-CpG methylation. This likely reflects the immature epigenetic state of many in vitro systems, which resemble fetal rather than postnatal stages. Investigating DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, and gene expression throughout normal brain development could reveal key factors necessary for advancing in vitro models toward maturity. The complexity of the human brain demands single-cell approaches, which, while feasible for transcriptomics and chromatin accessibility, remain difficult for epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation and histone marks. We are currently investigating different approaches to study and drive maturation in brain organoid cell culture systems with the aim to make them more useful tools for biomedical research. Establishing physiologically relevant cell culture systems is crucial for deciphering neurodevelopmental disorders and their treatment.| Period | 21 Nov 2025 |
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| Event type | Seminar |
| Location | Toronto, Canada, OntarioShow on map |