Steve Finkbeiner, M.D., Ph.D.
	Stem Cells in Neurodegeneration
	Email: sfinkbeiner@gladstone.ucsf.edu Websites: Finkbeiner Lab
Selected Publications | Complete Publications

We have developed useful models of two adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases known as Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease. Until now, we have used primary rodent neurons. However, developing similar models with human stem cells would be a major advance for developing reliable systems in which to identify therapies that are likely to work in people. We have invented robotic microscopy systems that enable us to identify factors that predict the future fate of individual neurons. The system has proven to be an invaluable tool for elucidating mechanisms of pathogenesis and for facilitating screens for therapies. The system can be used to conduct high throughput screens of potential drugs in human stem cells, which have been differentiated into particular types of neuron, to identify those that might protect against Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. The system can also be used to screen siRNA libraries in human neurons to discover genes that might regulate these degenerative diseases. Discovering these genes could help us identify bona fide therapeutic targets. Finally, the system can be used to screen factors that will promote the differentiation of human stem cells into particular types of neurons. Identifying such factors should if stem cell replacement proves to be a useful option for treating these diseases.

Selected Publications

Arrasate M, Mitra S, Schweitzer ES, Segal MR, Finkbeiner S. Inclusion body formation reduces levels of mutant huntingtin and the risk of neuronal death. Nature. 431:805-810, 2004. See also accompanying News and Views: Orr, HT. Neuron protection agency. Nature. 431:747-748, 2004.

Arrasate M, Finkbeiner S. Automated microscope system for determining factors that predict neuronal fate. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U S A. 102:3840-3845, 2005.

Rao VR, Pintchovski SA, Peebles, CL, Mitra S, Chin J, Finkbeiner S. AMPA receptors regulate transcription of the plasticity-related immediate early gene Arc. Nature Neurosci. 9: 887-895, 2006. Advance online publication, (doi:10.1038/nn1708).

Finkbeiner S, Cuervo AM, Morimoto RI, Muchowski PJ. Disease-modifying pathways in neurodegeneration. J. Neurosci. 26:10349-10357, 2006.

Information last updated April 2007