FWF F78: Neuro Stem modulation

The Neuro Stem Modulation Consortium comprises 12 research groups within Austria. The consortium is a Special Research Program (SFB) funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF).

Our consortium aims to significantly advance the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control neural progenitor and stem cell development. This research will explore how these cells, over developmental time and within specific regions of the brain and spinal cord, create the diverse array of neurons in the central nervous system, and how these neurons form interconnected networks.

Jürgen Knoblich‘s lab studies neural differentiation using organoids – tiny 3D models of human organs grown in the lab from stem cells. Their groundbreaking work has focused on creating human brain organoids that allow them to model how the human brain develops and what goes wrong in conditions like microcephaly and autism.

Neural connections

Sofia Grade‘s group investigates the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and rewire itself (plasticity) following injury, exploring the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Using advanced techniques like whole-brain imaging and genetic tools in mouse models, they aim to harness this understanding to develop novel regenerative therapies for neurological conditions such as stroke and brain trauma.

Lora Sweeney‘s team is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of how neural circuits form. Their lab uses the Xenopus frog to understand the neural circuits of the spinal cord and how they regulate particular movement behaviours. This system has unique advantages in studying this problem, as during metamorphosis, from tadpole to frog, the neural circuitry must remodel to change from swimming to walking movements.