Laura Grabel

Fisk Professor of Natural Sciences
Ph.D. (biology) University of California, San Diego

Campus Extension: 3238
Room #: Hall-Atwater Labs 209
E-Mail: LGRABEL@WESLEYAN.EDU

Migration of primitive (parietal) endoderm, making neural stem cells from embryonic stem cells, and the fate of embryonic stem cell-derived neural stem cells transplanted to the hippocampus using a mouse model temporal lobe epilepsy.

Links

Grabel Lab Home Page
Selected Publications

Our laboratory uses in vitro model systems to study various aspects of mammalian development.

Migration of primitive (parietal) endoderm

This project uses F9 teratocarcinoma and embryonic stem cell embryoid bodies to identify molecular signals regulating the first migratory event in the mammalian embryo.  Recent work focuses on the non-canonical Wnt (planar cell polarity) pathway.

Making neural stem cells from embryonic stem cells

Based on their therapeutic potential, there is great interest in producing neural stem cells, as well as neurons and glia, from embryonic stem cells.  Current studies are examining how the Hedgehog pathway promotes embryonic stem cell neurogenesis.

 Fate of embryonic stem cell-derived  neural stem cells transplanted to the hippocampus using a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy

 (These studies are performed in collaboration with Janice Naegele, http://www.wesleyan.edu/bio/naegele/naegele.html, and Gloster Aaron, http://www.wesleyan.edu/bio/Aaron/aaron.html,  in Wesleyan's Biology Department)

 Funding: NIH and the Connecticut Stem Cell Initiative