The paper identifies an NR2F1-dependent retinoic acid network in mice that regulates retinal specialization and links its disruption to foveal hypoplasia in BBSOAS patients.

bioRxiv · Sep 23, 2026 · PreprintDevelopmental Biology

Human cortico-vascular assembloids reveal a CELF2-AHNAK-dependent switch from neuronal to endothelial tropism in glioblastoma cells

Michele Bertacchi, Annie Ladoux, Alexa Saliou, Gwendoline Maharaux, Clement Peux, Laurent Turchi, Béatrice Polo, Hervé Chneiweiss, Elias A. El-Habr, Marie‐Pierre Junier, Fabien Almairac, Fanny Burel‐Vandenbos, Michèle Studer, Thierry Virolle

This study develops a human cortico-endothelial assembloid model to investigate glioblastoma cell tropism, identifying CELF2 and AHNAK as key regulators of neuronal versus endothelial invasion.

Cell Death and Disease · Aug 5, 2026Peer-reviewedCancer Biology

FGF8-mediated gene regulation affects regional identity in human cerebral organoids

Michele Bertacchi, Gwendoline Maharaux, Agnès Loubat, Matthieu Jung, Michèle Studer

This study shows FGF8 signaling influences regional identity and cellular diversity in human cerebral organoids, affecting neural progenitor fate and genes linked to neurodevelopmental disorders.

eLife · Nov 1, 2024Peer-reviewedDevelopmental Biology

COUP-TFI/Nr2f1 orchestrates intrinsic neuronal activity during cortical area patterning

Isabel del Pino, Chiara Tocco, Elia Magrinelli, Andrea Marcantoni, Celeste Ferraguto, Giulia Tomagra, Michele Bertacchi, Christian Alfano, Xavier Leinekugel, Andreas Frick, Michèle Studer

This study shows that Nr2f1 regulates neuronal activity and morphology in the developing somatosensory cortex, impacting network synchronization and excitability.

bioRxiv · Nov 30, 2019 · PreprintNeuroscience