University of California Pediatric Neuropathology Consortium
Creators: name: University Of California Office Of The President
Publisher: name: University of California Office of the President
publisherIdentifier: https://ror.org/00dmfq477
publisherIdentifierScheme: ROR
Year: 2024

description: Participating Campuses &amp; Faculty: (a) University of California Los Angeles: Dr. Harry Vinters, Professor of Pathology &amp; Director of Neuropathology – Emphasis: Epilepsy, cortical dysplasia, tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), and inflammatory and destructive lesions that cause intractable epilepsy in infants and children. (b) University of California Davis &amp; M.I.N.D. Institute: Dr. Lee-Way Jin, Associate Professor of Pathology &amp; Director of Neuropathology; Dr. Randi Hagerman, Medical Director, M.I.N.D. Institute – Emphasis: Autism, Fragile X Syndrome and Rett Syndrome. (c) University of California San Francisco (Host Campus): Dr. Eric J. Huang, Professor of Pathology &amp; Director of Pediatric Neuropathology; Dr. David Rowitch, HHMI Investigator, Professor &amp; Chief of Neonatology; Dr. Steve Elliot, Chief of Neonatal ICU, UCSF Fresno – Emphasis: Hypoxic/ischemic brain injury and neural stem cells. Abstract of Proposed Activities &amp; Goals of the Program: A large number of neurological disorders contribute to intellectual and developmental disabilities in the pediatric population. Some disorders have genetic underpinnings, whereas others are caused by injuries or unknown factors. Regardless of their nature, the pathological changes are often complex and require a concerted team effort to provide thorough characterizations using cellular and molecular techniques. Although many investigators at the University of California have carried out successful research to investigate the mechanisms for these debilitating diseases, we continue to face significant challenges that limit our ability to discover new insights into disease process leading to advances in treatment. For instance, we lack optimal integration of basic, translational and clinical neurosciences. Furthermore, a major challenge to understand the pathobiology of pediatric neurological disorders is the lack of high-quality brain tissues from both normal and diseased conditions. To overcome these obstacles, we propose to establish the University of California Pediatric Neuropathology Consortium (UCPNC), which will establish the systems and infrastructure to help transform research and patient care in Pediatric Neurology in California. By combining the strengths of three major UC medical centers, the UCPNC will target the majority of pediatric neurological disorders, including hypoxic/ischemic injury, neuronal migration defects, epilepsy and autism. Our goals are (1) to establish a computerized neuropathology tissue banking network, (2) to develop enhanced tissue imaging capabilities, such as multiplex fluorescent imaging of human brain cells, (3) to facilitate collaborations among different UC campuses, and (4) to provide new reagents, especially disease-specific induced pleuripotent stem (iPS) cells, for mechanistic studies of these neurological diseases. The proposed UCPNC will enable novel research avenues into pediatric congenital and acquired neurological diseases at the University of California.