Dr. Paola Arlotta

Biography

Paola Arlotta is a Professor in the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University. Her research focuses on defining molecular pathways in the development of the mammalian cerebral cortex, particularly the direct differentiation of neural progenitors and stem cells into distinct types of projection neurons. She is particularly interested in the early signals that induce the differentiation of corticospinal neurons, which are critical in various neurological conditions such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP), Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), and spinal cord injury (SCI). Her lab employs molecular profiling methods to identify key transcriptional, epigenetic, and proteomic changes that govern the specification of corticospinal neurons during early differentiation stages. By utilizing experimental approaches such as ultrasound-guided injections in developing mouse embryos and utero electroporation, her team studies how specific neurons develop and function. Additionally, she investigates the potential of using pluripotent stem cells to therapeutically regenerate corticospinal neurons in neurodegenerative diseases.

Research Interests