In our 11th Fresh Perspectives webinar Amara Davis interviews Ryan Tam, Ph.D., who discusses his doctoral research at the North Carolina State University that involved functional analysis of neuronal models utilizing stem cell technology which was recently published under peer-review, entitled “Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Medium Spiny Neuron-like Cells Exhibit Gene Desensitization”. During the interview Dr. Tam shares his unconventional path from nanotechnology to stem cell research and synthetic biology, highlighting the opportunities he found at NC State. Doctor Tam also addresses the seamless adoption of using stem cells in research and provided valuable advice for individuals considering graduate school, emphasizing the importance of having a clear purpose and being open to diverse learning experiences. Furthermore, he delves into the major findings of his paper, which focused on utilizing stem cells to investigate neurons associated with addictive behaviors. The research aimed to fill the gap between rodent and human data in addiction studies by examining human stem cell-derived medium spiny neuron-like cells. This functional human neuronal model in a dish exhibit gene desensitization, a previously unobserved characteristic, where gene expression is decreased after repeated exposure to a stimulus. In these experiments, the applied stimulus is exposure to dopamine to model cocaine use. These neuronal cell cultures offer a valuable opportunity to explore human-specific mechanisms related to addiction and to explore under conditions mimicking chronic drug use the effect at the level of genes. His work sheds light on the transformative potential of using stem cells derived models to study the biology of the brain, including patterns of substance use and addiction pathology, and offers a unique perspective on the application of synthetic biology in addressing complex health issues. Overall, the interview provides valuable insights into the intersection of stem cell research, synthetic biology, and addiction, showcasing the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in advancing scientific understanding and potential medical interventions.
To see Amara’s full Interview with Ryan Tam, Ph.D. on his research advancing human cellular knowledge of chronic drug use and addiction using innovative stem cell derived models, see the video below or on the LMI YouTube Channel:
Tam, R.W.; Keung, A.J. Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Medium Spiny Neuron-like Cells Exhibit Gene Desensitization. Cells 2022, 11, 1411. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11091411