We are an international team of biologists / neuroscientists and bioinformaticians aiming to understand how the human brain develops to correct size and cell composition. We are combining imaging, spatial transcriptomics, single-cell sequencing and state-of-the-art experimental platforms to unravel the underpinnings of fetal pathologies, such as developmental brain malformations or pediatric brain tumors.

To this end, we are making use of our Department's neurobiobank to assess cell populations and transcriptomic profiles in the human fetal brain and in pediatric brain tumors. The lab is also modeling human developmental diseases in vitro using patient-derived iPSCs and cerebral organoids. Additionally, we are employing elegant mouse models to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms of faithful brain development through an experimental lens in vivo. 

I have a long-lasting passion for patient-relevant research. My main scientific interest has always been in development and cancer. I am particularly curious on how stem cells interact with their cellular environment and how this interaction shapes stem cell identity and fate in health and disease. These criteria are essential in order to generate a functional organ of correct size, cell composition and function. Precisely understanding the major principles controlling stem cell behavior is thus crucial to unravel essential molecular and cellular mechanisms of tumor development and to establish novel cancer therapies.

Please find my short academic CV below: