April 2022: Michael Boland Lab

Background:

What is the main focus of your lab?

My group studies rare neurodevelopmental disorders with an emphasis on pediatric developmental and epileptic encephalopathies.  We are also interested in cortical malformations of development.  The main focus is the lab right now is the study and development of therapeutic approaches for STXBP1 Encephalopathy

How long have you had your lab? When did you join Columbia University?

I joined CUMC in Nov 2015.

How big is your lab currently?

We have downsized over the last couple of years as students have graduated and trainees have found other positions.  Currently the group is 3 people – a graduate student (expected to graduate this summer), a staff associate, and one ARS.

Where is your lab located?

We are located on the 6th floor (601) of Hammer and my office is on the 5th floor (517B) of Hammer.

Current affairs:

What are the most exciting projects/directions in the lab at this moment?

The development of gene targeted therapy approaches in genetic mouse models and cortical organoid models of STXBP1 haploinsufficiency.

Technology:

What are the model systems that your lab is using?

We use patient-derived as well as genetically engineered hPSCs as well as genetic mouse models.

What are the key techniques that your lab is using? Are you open to training scientists from other labs?

We use brain region specific organoids, single nuclei RNA-seq and calcium imaging.  

What facilities or equipment does your lab absolutely rely upon? Do you use CSCI cores?

 We are regular users of the Sulzberger Genome Center and have used the CSCI Stem Cell Core for genomic engineering, and the CSCI FACS facility.

Who shall be contacted with questions about equipment, resources and training?

Interested parties can contact me at mb4129@cumc.columbia.edu.