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Prof. Dr. Katja Nieweg

Research interests

We are interested in modelling neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders by employing human induced pluripotent stem cell (iSPC)-based cellular systems. Our special focus lies on the analysis of plasticity defects in diseased human neuronal networks. In order to compare highly defined systems, we are using CRISPR-Cas to generate genome edited isogenic controls of patient-derived cells. iPSCs are differentiated towards neurons and astrocytes and cocultures are further matured into functional neural networks. Neuronal network activity is analysed be calcium imaging and extracellular recording on multi electrode arrays. Using these techniques, we have established plasticity assays, allowing us to measure the homeostatic network responses.