Paul Tesar, Ph.D.

Dr. Tesar is interested in the mechanisms by which cells acquire glial fate and function and maintain their functionality throughout life, because loss or dysfunction of these cells underlies numerous neurological disorders. For this project, he will utilize an in vitro mouse and human stem cell platform to define mechanisms responsible for preventing myelin development and function. For example, this approach has helped define central mechanisms that stimulate myelin regeneration and identify small molecules that can reverse paralysis in mouse models of multiple sclerosis. By identifying disease- and context-specific effectors of myelin dysfunction, this work can inform the basis of new therapies.