Gonçalo Castelo-Branco Group

Our research group is interested in the molecular mechanisms defining the epigenetic state of cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage. 

We are focused on how interplay between transcription factors, non-coding RNAs and chromatin modifying enzymes contribute to the transition between epigenetic states within the oligodendrocyte lineage, with the aim to design epigenetic based-therapies to induce regeneration (remyelination) in demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.

Research and publications
Funding
Research Group
Workshops and Conferences
OligoInternode: datasets and resources
Outreach

Latest grants and publications

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Protein composition changes stimulate brain development and neuronal communication

Castelo-Branco group shows that the enzyme PAD2, which can alter protein composition by a process called citrullination, plays an important role in brain development and neuronal communication.
Gonçalo Castelo-Branco Eneritz Agirre

New insights about the role of myelin-producing cells in MS

Subpopulations of oligodendrocytes, myelin-producing cells in the brain that are targeted by the immune system in multiple sclerosis (MS), are altered in MS and might therefore have additional roles in the disease than previously described. The results are published in Nature, in a study led by the Goncalo Castelo-Branco Lab and researchers at the University of Edinburgh in the UK.
Artwork from Gonçalo Castelo-Branco’s laboratory, Illustrator Amagoia Agirre

New clues to the origin and progression of multiple sclerosis

Mapping of a certain group of cells, known as oligodendrocytes, in the central nervous system of a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), shows that they might have a significant role in the development of the disease. The discovery can lead to new therapies targeted at other areas than just the immune system. The results are published in Nature Medicine.

StratNeuro research grant received

Our group recently received a StratNeuro Collaborative Neuroscience Pilot Research Project Grant in collaboration with Mats Nilsson's lab at Stockholm University to study oligodendrocyte lineage heterogeneity in development and disease using in situ sequencing. 

Gonçalo Castelo-Branco on Twitter

EpigeneticsNeurobiologyNeurodegenerative diseasesRNAStem cells
24 Apr 2019 by Anna Navis. Editor: Goncalo Castelo-Branco.