Tools for studying CNS inflammation

Central nervous system (CNS)-resident astrocytes and microglia interact to regulate pro-inflammatory programs that drive neurodegenerative diseases, but the pathways and molecules involved are largely unknown. Understanding the language of inflammation is a central question in the field of Neuroimmunology and may guide new therapeutic approaches for multiple sclerosis and other neurologic diseases. We are developing new methods to study the interactions between CNS-resident cells.

Relevant publications

• Droplet-based forward genetic screening of astrocyte–microglia cross-talk (SPEAC-seq)
• Barcoded viral tracing of single-cell interactions in central nervous system inflammation (RABID-seq)
• MAFG-driven astrocytes promote CNS inflammation.

Current projects focus on:

• Barcoded viral tracing of cell-cell interactions in the CNS
• Genome-wide CRISPR screens for the discovery of genes that mediate cellular communication during inflammation