Systematic High Content Optical Pooled Genetic Screens in Neurodegeneration

This project aims to develop an innovative platform for the discovery of new therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative diseases by applying optical genetic screens in patient fibroblasts and human neurons. The team takes advantage of a new method developed by the Blainey lab for a microscopy-based screen in human iPSC cells that links specific cellular phenotypes with in situ sequencing. They will use this platform to identify new genes and pathways for ALS. Since this new technology has not been previously deployed in neurodegenerative diseases, this project could potentially be readily applied to other neurodegenerative diseases.

This project was selected for the second phase of the Collaborative Pairs RFA.