Research Areas

The Breunig Laboratory is investigating the molecular mechanisms that govern the generation of discrete cell types from neural stem cells. These precursor populations generate the neurons and glia that populate the developing and mature brain. A precise understanding of these pathways may lead to the development of therapies to replace brain tissue lost to damage or disease. In addition, this knowledge can be used to mitigate brain tumorigenesis by blocking aberrant self-renewal. With Moise Danielpour, MD, a practicing pediatric neurosurgeon and the Vera and Paul Guerin Family Chair in Pediatric Neurosurgery, we are investigating the mechanisms of brain tumorigenesis and developing targeted therapeutics based on these insights. As seen below, we have developed novel model system—including 3D human cerebral organoids—for unambiguous tracking of tumor initiation and growth by introducing mutations derived from patient tumors.