Hester Lab

The Hester Lab is part of the Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, which is at the forefront of precision medicine and uses genomic sequencing in clinical settings to predict best health outcomes for patients. The Hester lab’s long-term objective is focused on understanding the molecular and cellular causes of neurodevelopmental disorders in efforts to develop treatment options that target the root cause of these conditions. Their team is actively developing adeno-associated viral (AAV)-based genetic therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders which include Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Type 2. The Hester Lab is leveraging several key technological tools that include the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), human brain organoid models, genome editing tools, OMICs technologies and the use of novel transgenic mouse models for investigating neurological disease mechanisms and for use in therapeutic development. Ultimately, the long-term goal of the Hester Lab is to rapidly translate research discoveries into lasting treatment options for pediatric patients afflicted with neurological disorders.

Meet Our Team