Claudia Lopes, PhD

Claudia Lopes, PhD, is interested in developing a human pluripotent stem cell-derived three-dimensional organoid culture system, to mimic distinct cerebral regions. Because organoids contain progenitor populations that develop to yield mature cortical neuron subtypes, this technology will make it possible to study and model complex brain diseases that currently lack appropriate 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.