Ola Hermanson, Ph.D.

The Hermanson Lab

Research Focus

In the Hermanson lab, we are quite passionate about transcriptional regulatory mechanisms governing the genetic and epigenetic cues that regulate the proper development and function of neural cells and brain circuits involved in autonomic function and cognition.

We are focusing on chromatin modifying factors and transcriptional coregulators (with catchy names like NCoR, SMRT, CtBP, HDACs, HDMs and HMTs) proven to be absolutely critical for proper control of neural development.

We elucidate their expression patterns in the nervous system, the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of their expression and activity, the mechanisms underlying their influence on gene expression, and their functional roles in neural lineage decision, differentiation, adult function, and death.

Technically, we utilize embryonic neural stem cells and ES cells, progenitor cell lines, cancer cell lines, and transgenic animals (mice, zebrafish, chick). We use a wide variety of molecular and biochemical techniques as well as cutting edge bioprinting and imaging techniques.

We also pursue close translational collaborations investigating human ES cells, neurodevelopmental diseases such as Rett syndrome, neurological disease such as MS, and neuroectodermal cancer disease, and we strongly believe that increased knowledge of the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neural differentiation will provide a solid basis for development of new tools for clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Selected Publications