TransCampus seminar: Dr. Katie Long, Kings College London

Title: "Human fetal cortex tissue models to understand human brain development and injury"

Abstract:

Our research focuses on how the human neocortex develops with the correct size, shape and organisation, and the role of the extracellular matrix in these processes. Extracellular matrix is highly abundant in the developing human neocortex, but its function in neocortex development is not yet fully understood. To address this we use an interdisciplinary approach using human fetal cortex tissue models to look at the cellular and mechanical mechanisms by which the extracellular matrix drives the development of the human neocortex, including the formation of the folds present on the surface of the neocortex, and how dysregulation of these functions can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. We also use our human fetal tissue culture models to investigate the effect of injury on the developing human brain.

Publications: 

Orchestrating human neocortex development across the scales; from micro to macro. 
Massimo M, Long KR (2021) Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology

Sulfonated cryogel scaffolds for focal delivery in ex-vivo brain tissue cultures. 
Eigel D, Schuster R, Männel MJ, Thiele J, Panasiuk MJ, Andreae LC, Varricchio C, Brancale A, Welzel PB, Huttner WB, Werner C, Newland B, Long KR (2021) Biomaterials 271: 120712

The Role of the Extracellular Matrix in Neural Progenitor Cell Proliferation and Cortical Folding During Human Neocortex Development. 
Long KR, Huttner WB (2021) Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience

How the extracellular matrix shapes neural development.  
Long KR, Huttner WB (2019)Open Biology 9(1):180216.

Extracellular Matrix Components HAPLN1, Lumican, and Collagen I Cause Hyaluronic Acid-Dependent Folding of the Developing Human Neocortex.
Long KR, Newland B, Florio M, Kalebic N, Langen B, Kolterer A, Wimberger P, Huttner WB (2018)  Neuron 99: 702-719.e6

Host: Mareike Albert (CRTD)