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Indiana University School of Medicine

Meyer Lab

The Meyer Lab, led by Jason Meyer, PhD, focuses on mechanisms of neural development and neurodegeneration using human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. Fundamentally, the research emphasizes the in vitro three dimensional organization and differentiation of these stem cells into organoids which serve as a model of the temporal and spatial organization of neural tissue. From these organoids, different individual cell types are isolated and utilized for studies of neurodegeneration.

Research Updates

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Research Updates Blog

Genetic determinants of neurodegenerative diseases are created through either the derivation of stem cells directly from patient samples, or through the introduction of the mutation with gene editing approaches. Once harboring these mutations and differentiated into the affected cell types, these cells serve as a powerful in vitro model of neurodegenerative mechanisms in a human cell model.

Currently, major emphases in the lab focus upon both the intrinsic mechanisms of disease leading to the loss of neurons, as well as those extrinsic mechanisms resulting from adversely affected interactions between neurons and glia.

Current Research Funding

  • Targeting the diversity of retinal ganglion cells for replacement therapy

    NIH/NEI 1R21EY031120-01 , Meyer (PI), 08/01/19–07/31/21

    The overall goal of this project is to test the ability of stem cell-derived retinal ganglion cells to integrate into and repair the retina of a macaque model of glaucoma.

  • Complement pathway-mediated neurotoxicity of reactive astrocytes in a stem cell model of glaucoma

    Glaucoma Research Foundation, Shaffer Grant, Meyer (PI), Fortune (Co-PI), 8/03/01/21–02/28/22

    The overall goal of this project is to facilitate the development of novel therapeutic approaches to glaucomatous phenotypes characterized by the presence of A1 astrocytes.

  • Astrocyte modulation of retinal ganglion cells in a stem cell model of glaucomatous neurodegeneration

    Brightfocus Foundation, Meyer (PI), 09/01/20–08/31/22

    The overall goal of this project is to (1) assay for glaucomatous phenotype in OPTN patient-derived retinal ganglion cells; and (2) examine the role of retinal astrocytes in the progression of a glaucomatous phenotype.

  • Deciphering the role of CX3CR1 in Modulating Mechanisms of Amyloid driven Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease

    NIH 1RF1AG069425-01, Lamb (PI), Meyer (Co-PI), 09/15/20–08/31/25

    The overall goal of this project is to test the unique hypothesis that downregulation/loss of CX3CR1 signaling alters microglial activation and results in impaired clearance and/or increased accumulation of neurotoxic soluble Aβ oligomers. Enrichment of toxic Aβ in the micro-environment triggers a cascade of neurodegenerative signaling including the generation and spread of neurotoxic species of pTau.

  • National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD)

    NIA/NIH, U24AG021886, Foroud (PI), Meyer (Co-I), 07/15/2002–05/31/2021

    Cell repository to collect and maintain information and biological specimens on individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Recent Publications

Published Work

View a complete list of published work by the Meyer Laboratory.

Bibliography

Research Team

25526-Meyer, Jason

Jason Meyer, PhD

Associate Professor of Medical & Molecular Genetics

Read Bio

Catia Gomes, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Associate

Kirstin VanderWall
PhD Student

Clarisse Fligor
PhD Student

Sailee Lavekar
PhD Student

Kang-Chieh Huang
PhD Student