IDefine forms collaboration with Radboud University, biotech company

IDefine is co-sponsoring a project in the laboratory of Prof. Nael Nadif-Kasri at Radboud University to develop improved in vitro modelling of Kleefstra syndrome (KS) based on iPSC derived cells. The Nadif-Kasri lab has pioneered highly complex 2-dimensional modeling of neurological disorders in a dish, where multiple cell types in the human CNS (rather than just neurons) are co-cultured. This produces more
realistic models that more closely resemble what may be occurring inside patients. As part of the project, the Nadif-Kasri lab will further expand and improve these models to produce a more powerful system to screen potential treatments.

A confidential biotechnology company is also co-sponsoring the project, and providing a novel compound to test within the new system to see if it is likely to help improve the CNS symptoms of KS. This project is exciting: it has the potential to produce a new treatment lead for KS, and the improved screening system can also be used to test additional compounds in the future. Along the way, it is also possible we will learn more about the fundamental biology of KS through these models. Stay tuned, we will share more details as the project moves forward!