Negar Sadeghi

I contributed to the project "Establishing a human cell model of glial dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis" by generating iPSCs from blood samples of MS patients' families. These iPSCs were differentiated into various brain cells. My achievements include successfully generating 4 iPSC lines and differentiating iPSCs into brain endothelial cells, revealing morphological distinctions between cells derived from patient and healthy control iPSC lines through immunocytochemistry.

I continued my work with the Castelo-Branco group, focusing on optimizing CRISPRi experiments targeting Setd2. I cloned sgRNAs into fluorescent plasmids, sorting mCherry/BFP+ cells via FACS and successfully repressed Setd2 in Oli-neu cells. Additionally, I optimized and troubleshooted the "m6a sequencing" protocol, creating RNA/DNA hybrids from Hek cells and specifically tagging m6a parts using an m6a antibody.

I was part of the ‘PeptAIDes’ (Peptides for the treatment of Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases) project, a highly collaborative research platform including the entire spectrum of disciplines in drug development, with the goal of transforming therapeutic leads into clinical candidates. I employed synthesized peptides derived from various plant sources and assessed their effectiveness in modulating natural killer cell cytotoxicity through cytotoxicity assays.

During my nine-month master's thesis internship at the Karolinska Institute with the Goncalo Castelo-Branco group, I explored epigenetic mechanisms in oligodendrocyte lineage. Projects included Abcam antibody testing using bulk CUT&Tag sequencing and investigating H3K36me3's role via CRISPR interference. My thesis focused on H3K36me3 enrichment in OPC-specific genes, identified through CUT&Tag sequencing, and successfully implemented CRISPR interference to repress Setd2 in oligodendroglial cells.

During my master's in cognitive and clinical neuroscience, I focused on Drug Development and Neurohealth. In my research master's program, I specialized in neurodevelopment, neurodisorders, and molecular mechanisms, with a strong emphasis on the research and development of innovative drugs.

I spent a semester in Tokyo, Japan, studying liberal arts while immersing myself in Japanese language and culture. Additionally, I delved into subjects like Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Cell Biology, and Vertebrate Paleontology during my time abroad.

In my psychology bachelor's, I studied Clinical and Cognitive Psychology, Health Psychology, and Child Development. My thesis, "State Affect: A Longitudinal Study Using Experience Sampling Method," explored the dynamics of state feelings via experience sampling, employing a linear mixed model in SPSS. I also assessed the suitability of ESM for measuring state feelings and investigated differences in state and trait feelings between individuals with and without alexithymia signs.