The Stem Cell Podcast

Ep. 266: “From Stem Cells to Cortical Circuits” Featuring Dr. Pierre Vanderhaeghen

Apr 30, 2024
Guest
Pierre Vanderhaeghen
Dr. Pierre Vanderhaeghen, professor at VIB-KU Leuven studying cortical development and brain evolution. He discusses species-specific neuronal development and human neuron excitability. He describes LRRC37B at the axon initial segment and its possible role in shaping human cortical function. He also talks about stem-cell models and his surprising life outside the lab playing in a rock cover band.
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INSIGHT

Cortex Development Links To Human Evolution

  • Cortical development differences drive human brain evolution and can be studied experimentally with stem cell models.
  • Studying neuron development and mature neuron properties reveals species-specific features beyond cell type identity.
INSIGHT

Intrinsic Timing Emerges In Stem Cell Models

  • Stem cell models reveal that developmental timing is strongly intrinsic and conserved across species in vitro.
  • These models let researchers probe temporal patterning mechanisms that remain poorly understood.
INSIGHT

Mature Neurons Show Species Differences

  • Human cortical neurons show species-specific physiological differences despite conserved cell-type identities.
  • Investigating mature neuron properties can reveal adaptations that shape human circuit function.
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