Research
The Dias Lab is broadly interested in neurogenetic mechanisms of human brain development and degeneration. We aim to better understand the fundamental genetic and molecular mechanisms that shape the human brain and make us uniquely human across the lifespan by breaking down the artificial barriers normally separating developmental epochs.
Human Neurogenetics:
Our Interests:
Genetically defined brain disorders: We study neurologic conditions such as Fragile X syndrome, Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), Fragile X-associated neuropsychiatric disorder (FXAND), dup15q syndrome, and TCF7L2-related neurodevelopmental disorder (TRND). We seek to characterize the cell-type-specific, human-specific molecular pathophysiology that underlie these disorders. We focus on questions historically understudied, such as the role of the X chromosome and non-neuronal cell types. We harness developmental context as a critical biological variable that impacts the expression of powerful germ-line genetic drivers, focusing on human tissue and human cellular models.
Genetics of typical neurodevelopment: The brain is an amazingly complex and heterogeneous tissue and is not immediately accessible for study in the human condition. We are interested in studying how genetic drivers uniquely shape the brain in different stages of aging and development.
Our Tools:
We integrate -omics approaches with mechanistic molecular biology insight. We pilot challenging techniques directly in primary human cells and tissues, such as long read sequencing and single nucleus multi-omic sequencing. In addition to these cutting-edge approaches, we strive to develop methodologies and datasets that do not require specialized expertise or equipment, in order to accelerate study of similar questions more broadly within the scientific community.
Collaborations:
Collaborative efforts are the only path forward to conduct truly transformative science. We collaborate with laboratories within and outside of our department and university. Within our laboratory, collaborative projects are the norm, and not the exception. We are always looking for new opportunities to develop creative lines of investigation.
Publications
Last updated: August 16, 2026