2nd place 2017: glia cells
Seen here are astrocytes (a type of glial cells) in a neuronal cell culture of Leigh syndrome patients obtained from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Glial cells, along with neurons, are an important component of the brain’s nerve tissue. The different types of cells must interact and communicate with one another so that everything functions smoothly. Immunofluorescent staining shows the proteins vimentin (green) and GFAP (rot), which are parts of the cytoskeleton and thus help to stabilize cells mechanically.
About the project
In this project, we aim to create a model of Leigh syndrome using iPS cell technology. Leigh syndrome is an early-onset, genetic multisystem disorder caused by malfunctioning mitochondria. The condition is characterized by psychomotor regression, rapidly progressing neurological symptoms, blindness, and loss of hearing as well as consciousness and respiratory disturbances. It typically results in death within a few years. We hope to find phenotypes by comparing nerves and glial cells from Leigh syndrome patients with control cell lines derived from healthy subjects.
© Gizem Inak, lab of Alessandro Prigione, MDC