In order to undestand lncRNA function, we established in the lab several experimental systems where we can perturb and activate lncRNA expression using RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, or CRISPR interference:
- Differentation of human and mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into neuronal progenitors and neurons
- Differentiation of human ESCs into various cells of the endodermal lineage
- Transgenic mouse animals (lncRNA knockouts)
- Regeneration of peripheral neurons in vivo and in culture
In these systems, we are targeting several carefully selected and conserved lncRNAs and measuring the effects on the organismal, cellular and molecular level.
ESC-derived neuronal cells