Dr Karl Fernandes

Research on the Nervous System

Office N-511
Tel. 514 343-5617

karl.jl.fernandes@umontreal.ca

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Titles and affilations

• Canada Research Chair in Stem Cell Neurobiology
• Assistant Professor, Department of pathology and cell biology
• Member, Groupe de recherche sur le système nerveux central
• Member, Centre of excellence in Neuromics of the Université de Montréal

Stem cells in the adult nervous system

It has long been thought that the adult brain is incapable of producing new neurons. Over the past 15 years, however, it has been discovered that the adult mammalian brain does indeed contain neural stem cells, and that these adult neural stem cells continue to produce large numbers of new brain cells in specific locations such as the forebrain and hippocampus.  Our current challenges are to understand the basic biology of adult neural stem cells, how they are affected by injury, disease, and aging, and how they can be therapeutically regulated to promote nervous system regeneration. To investigate these questions, we are currently using normal and transgenic mice, stem cell tissue culture, various immunohistological approaches and in vivo strategies. Additional biochemical and molecular techniques strategies are in development.

Research projects and positions

Strong applications are always considered for summer positions, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows. At present, we have research projects examining neural stem cells in the context of:

1. Aging
2. Alzheimer's Disease
3. Physical exercise and cognitive stimulation
4. Diseases and injuries of the spinal cord

To apply for an interview, please submit your CV and transcripts to karl.jl.fernandes@umontreal.ca

For more information, see our external website.