Harvard University · BiologyBrain Development and Neurogenetics Lab
Paola Arlotta · Cambridge, Massachusetts
Research Focus
Dr. Paola Arlotta's lab at Harvard University focuses on understanding how the brain develops, particularly in relation to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. They use advanced techniques to create models of the human brain using organoids, which are miniature, simplified versions of the brain. By studying these organoids, the lab investigates how specific genetic mutations affect neuron development and brain circuits, aiming to uncover the underlying causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
ASDbrain organoidsGABAergic neuronsneurodevelopmentsingle-cell genomicsmouse brain atlascalcium imagingCRISPRcell differentiationexcitatory-inhibitory balance
Research Aims
5AIM 01Model ASD-linked genetic mutations using 3D human brain organoids
AIM 02Create a comprehensive atlas of developing mouse brain cell types
AIM 03Investigate the effects of CHD8 mutations on GABAergic neuron development
AIM 04Analyze how genetic context affects neuron expressivity in organoids
AIM 05Study activity in cortical circuits affected by genetic mutations.
Skills the Lab Values
3D cell culture techniquessingle-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq)multiome profilingspatial transcriptomics (MERFISH)calcium imagingelectrophysiologyCRISPR gene editingorganoid modelingbioinformaticsin vivo lineage tracing
Output against the department
Publications184top 36% of dept.365th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations18ktop 22% of dept.223rd of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
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