Affiliations
- Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Genetics
- Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, AVC, UPEI
Education and Training
- Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Scientist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory
- PhD, McGill University, Department of Physiology
- MSc, University of New Brunswick, Department of Biology
- BSc, Memorial University, Department of Biology
- BA, Memorial University, Department of History
Research
Stem cell models to understand human microglial function
Microglia, the innate immune cells of the nervous system, play key roles through development, adulthood and aging. Microglia work to maintain homeostasis of their nervous system environment while also responding to exogenous and endogenous challenges. Through interactions with neurons and other brain cells, microglia also contribute more directly to nervous system health and function in various ways.
The overarching goal of my research program is to improve our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms required for the proper functioning of microglia in both health and disease. My lab utilizes human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models, gene editing techniques and brain cell co-cultures to examine microglia function and cell-cell interactions. The use of human stem cell models to study microglia is of particular importance because microglia are the most divergent brain cell type between humans and model organisms such as mice (based on gene expression and protein conservation). Thus, a fuller understanding of microglia in humans likely requires the use of human model systems.
The roles of microglia in neurodegeneration
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) are increasing in prevalence. Nonetheless, effective treatments for such disorders are still lacking, and the mechanisms that lead to disease development remain incompletely understood. Promise comes from recent large-scale genetic studies that have identified hundreds of genes and mutations which can contribute to neurodegeneration, however, there remains a gap in understanding exactly how those mutations impact the cells of the nervous system.
Such genetic studies have also suggested surprisingly important roles for microglia in the development of neurodegenerative disease. Thus, my lab is also working to understand how microglial function and dysfunction can contribute to the development and progression of neurodegeneration. To achieve this, we are using gene editing techniques and stem cell models to uncover the molecular and cellular effects of disease associated mutations. Assays to interrogate microglia cellular functions are complemented by co-cultures with neurons and other brain cells to understand how microglia carrying disease-associated mutations impact neuron health and survival.
Jay Penney, Canada Research Chair, Biomedical Sciences, University of Prince Edward Island, UPEI