Yale University

Make strides in precision medicine using hiPSCs

Read the interview with Dr. Novin Balafkan and Dr. Sadaf Ghorbani in "NBS nytt" 04-2023. The visiting researchers from Norway, are engaged in a groundbreaking precision medicine project for neuropsychiatric disorders at Yale University.

Published 3/4/2024

Last updated 5/27/2024

A man and woman standing together outside — Dr. Novin Balafkan and Dr. Sadaf Ghorbani at Yale University.

Visit NBS nytt to read Gyrid Nygård's interview with Dr. Sadaf Ghorbani and Dr. Novin Balafkan.

Dr. Balafkan and Dr. Ghorbani are visiting Kristen Brennand's laboratory at Yale University to investigate genetic predictors of neuropsychiatric symptoms and medication response, focusing on schizophrenia. Their research integrates hiPSC-technology to identify genes linked to antipsychotic response. Dr. Balafkan's work involves CRISPR screens for gene expression modulation, while Dr. Ghorbani explores protein interaction maps in neuronal subtypes. Both researchers received prestigious awards and actively contribute to professional development activities.

Their future plans involve returning to Norway to continue research on brain disorders using hiPSC-derived models, aiming to contribute to schizophrenia research and improve patient outcomes. They express gratitude for the support received from mentors, funding agencies, and collaborators, highlighting the crucial role in their research progress and aspirations.

Below is a glimpse of the captivating research they are involved in:

Brain organoids — The stunning photos shows differentiation of neuronal progenitor cells into neurons and glia (left), forebrain organoids in culture (upper right) and a brightfield image of brain organoids in culture (lower left).