RESEARCH

RESEARCH TOPIC

Although mechanical properties have been shown to influence stem cell fate, little is known if mechanical properties of the stem cell niche change in vivo and whether and how this can influence behavior, growth and differentiation of stem cells.

We will seek mechanisms and logics how mechanical factors control differentiation towards specific neural and glial cells by systematic use of molecular biology, biochemistry, mouse genetics, biomaterials, bioinformatics, and advanced microscopy.

Furthermore, we will apply our knowledge to invent novel strategies to understand and recover from developmental brain disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.