Administrative Contact
Arris Todd: 734-615-2479
Areas of Interest
Research summary
The central nervous system is a highly intricate structure, composed of diverse subtypes of neurons and glia. Despite their crucial importance, neurons are highly vulnerable to damage and disease, which can lead to devastating neurodegenerative disorders. Our lab research focuses on investigating cell type specification during neurodevelopment and regeneration of neurons. Specifically, we study the molecular mechanisms regulating gene expression and how changes in gene expression drive cell fates during neurodevelopment and adult neurogenesis in the brain and retina. With high-throughput omic approaches and genetic tools, we are targeting genes at the top of gene networks to generate the desired cell types. Our goal is to develop cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases
Another related lab research topic is to investigate the complex interactions between cell types, particularly between neurons and glia, during injuries and in neurodegeneration. We are interested in modulating these interactions to protect neurons and promote the regeneration of lost neurons. We are always on the lookout for fresh and innovative ideas.
Key words: Neuroscience, neurodevelopment, retina, neurodegeneration, injury, regeneration, glial biology, neuroimmune, Müller glia, astrocyte
Credentials
PhD - Molecular Biology, Miami University, 2012-2016
Postdoctoral fellow - Johns Hopkins University, 2017-2022
Published Articles or Reviews
Relevant publications
- T. Hoang*, J. Wang*, P. Boyd, F. Wang, C. Santiago, L. Jiang, S. Yoo, M. Lahne, L. J. Todd, M. Jia, C. Saez, C. Keuthan, I. Palazzo, N. Squires, W. A. Campbell, F. Rajaii, T. Parayil, V. Trinh, D. W. Kim, G. Wang, L. J. Campbell, J. Ash, A. J. Fischer, D. R. Hyde, J. Qian, S. Blackshaw, Gene regulatory networks controlling vertebrate retinal regeneration. Science. 370 (2020), doi:10.1126/science.abb8598.
- P. Lyu*, T. Hoang*, C. P. Santiago, E. D. Thomas, A. E. Timms, H. Appel, M. Gimmen, N. Le, L. Jiang, D. W. Kim, S. Chen, D. F. Espinoza, A. E. Telger, K. Weir, B. S. Clark, T. J. Cherry, J. Qian, S. Blackshaw, Gene regulatory networks controlling temporal patterning, neurogenesis, and cell-fate specification in mammalian retina. Cell Reports. 37, 109994 (2021).
- T. Hoang*, D. W. Kim*, H. Appel, N. A. Pannullo, P. Leavey, M. Ozawa, S. Zheng, M. Yu, N. S. Peachey, S. Blackshaw, Genetic loss of function of Ptbp1 does not induce glia-to-neuron conversion in retina: Cell Reports, 2022.
- T. Hoang*, D. W. Kim*, H. Appel, M. Ozawa, S. Zheng, J. Kim, S. Blackshaw. Ptbp1 deletion does not induce astrocyte-to-neuron conversion. Nature. 2023.
View a full list of Dr. Hoang's publications.