Our laboratory investigates stem cell biology and approaches to regeneration of the damaged or diseased nervous system. I direct the Northwestern University Stem Cell Institute and I established a hESC and iPS cell core laboratory for the University. I also am an active clinician. Our research has focused extensively on the regulation of gene expression by neural stem/progenitor cells and their differentiated progeny. We have defined signaling pathways that direct glial and neuronal lineage commitment and characterized patterns of gene expression that coordinate these processes in both the developing and adult nervous system. We have a series of studies that focus on the pathophysiology of spinal cord and traumatic brain injury, depression, and aging-related changes in cognition. I am currently the principle investigator in several multicenter gene therapy studies. I am also running clinical gene therapy trials in neuropathy.