Thanh Hoang, Ph.D.

Research

My lab will explore how to regenerate functional neurons from astrocytes—abundant support cells in the brain. When neurons are lost due to injury or disease, they are rarely replaced, leading to lasting impairments. In earlier work, we discovered that removing key molecular “brakes” can convert similar support cells in the eye into neurons. Building on this finding, we will test whether a similar strategy can reprogram astrocytes in the brain. Using advanced genetic tools, targeted gene delivery, and physiological analysis, we aim to understand how this conversion occurs and how to guide this process to produce specific types of neurons. Ultimately, this work could enable new cell-based therapies for a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders.