About us

Scientists in the Rowitch laboratory have a shared aim to better understand the overlap between central nervous system (CNS) development and disease. Our neurobiological focus is on glia, which comprise 90% of cells in the human brain. Glia are targets in such diseases as cerebral palsy, leukodystrophy, brain cancer and multiple sclerosis. We are a multidisciplinary, collaborative team of basic and physician-scientist researchers from around the World bringing diverse expertise. Our Cambridge laboratory operates on two sites: Wellcome Trust-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and at The Department of Paediatrics in Addenbrookes Hospital. Our sister laboratory is based at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Prof. David Rowitch is Head of the Department of Paediatrics, a Principal Investigator at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and holds a joint appointment at UCSF (Pediatrics and Neurological Surgery).

Our Research

The Rowitch group is interested in understanding the contribution of glial cells to CNS development and disease. We apply our expertise in developmental and stem cell biology, high content imaging, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, bioinformatics & bio-engineering.

Research themes include the development and diversity of astrocytes, the role of myelin and myelin generating cells, genetics of childhood disorders, neural stem cell biology and glial development.

Our current therapy areas of interest include cerebral palsy, the rare and fatal leukodystrophy Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease, brain cancer, stroke and Multiple Sclerosis.