Title: On the Factory Floor: Building Brains with Stem Cells
Abstract: In this talk, I will take you on a guided tour of the manufacturing processes that build the brain, emphasizing the vital role of stem cells as the cornerstones of tissue construction. Neural stem cells function as highly efficient biochemical factories, employing asymmetric cell division to produce a consistent supply of neurons. While attaining a detailed mechanistic understanding of the logistics and quality controls in these cellular factories has proven challenging, my advanced in vivo imaging techniques have illuminated their inner workings. This research has unveiled how these stem cells optimize their assembly lines to ensure swift and efficient production.
I have discovered that Drosophila neural stem cells generate a polarized membrane reservoir that serves a crucial logistical function, overseeing the allocation of essential resources during neuron production. The construction of this membrane reservoir is driven by mechanical forces originating from the cytoskeleton, which dynamically organizes and stabilizes the membrane architecture necessary for effective resource allocation. Additionally, my research reveals that the cytokinetic midbody acts as a pivotal quality control checkpoint, guiding the neuronal differentiation of the cellular products to ensure accurate fate specification at the end of the assembly line.
Looking ahead, I am excited to begin work with Danionella fish, known for their remarkable ability to recover from brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Their transparent bodies and open skulls offer unprecedented access to observe the intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying brain regeneration. I plan to investigate stem cell dynamics during brain repair, with the hope of uncovering valuable insights that could inform advancements in regenerative medicine.
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