Claudia Lopes, PhD

Claudia Lopes, PhD, is interested in developing human pluripotent stem cell-derived three-dimensional organoid culture systems that recapitulate distinct cerebral regions. These models not only capture key progenitor populations that give rise to mature and region-specific neuronal subtypes, but also provide a powerful platform to study fundamental aspects of human brain development. By tailoring organoids to mimic different brain regions, this technology enables the investigation of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders that lack faithful animal models.

In her previous post-doc experience at HSCRB Institute, Dr. Lopes focused on developing new therapeutic strategies to promote neuronal regeneration in spinal cord injury and other traumatic CNS injuries; particularly in developing reprogramming strategies to convert reactive astroglial cells and fibrotic scar cells towards proregenerative phenotypes. Her PhD thesis work focused on the genetic programs that control the development of somatic sensory circuits. Towards that, she found that the homeodomain transcription factor Tlx3 is pivotal to the assembly of neural circuits associated with the senses of pain, itch, and temperature. Among many awards, Dr. Lopes was a 2017 recipient of the NARSAD Young Investigator Grant from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.