Martin Pera, Ph.D.
Professor
The extrinsic regulation of self-renewal and lineage specification of human pluripotent stem cells. The genetic basis for individual variation in the response of the central nervous system to injury.
Martin Pera was amongst a small group of researchers who pioneered the isolation and characterization of pluripotent stem cells from human germ cell tumours, studies that provided an important framework for the development of human embryonic stem cells. His laboratory at Monash University was the second in the world to isolate embryonic stem cells from the human blastocyst, and the first to describe their differentiation into somatic cells (precursors of the central nervous system). Currently his lab studies the regulation of self-renewal and pluripotency, heterogeneity in pluripotent stem cell populations, and neural specification of pluripotent stem cells. His work on neural differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells led to the development of a new treatment for macular degeneration, a common form of blindness, which is now in clinical trial in Israel. He has provided extensive advice to state, national and international regulatory authorities on the scientific background to stem cell research, and has delivered hundreds of commentaries for print and electronic media on stem cell research, ethics, and regulatory policy. At the Jackson Laboratory Pera will continue work on the regulation of pluripotency, and will study the genetic basis of individual differences in the response of the central nervous system to injury.
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Research HighlightApril 03, 2024Making mice a more powerful research tool
A new protocol sets the stage for researchers to directly compare mouse and human cells, and readily incorporates genetic diversity into mouse-based research to more closely approximate human health conditions. -
Featured ArticleJuly 06, 2022Donors contribute more than $7.6M to vision research at JAX
JAX has recently received more than $7.6 million in philanthropic investment to support vision research. -
Search MagazineAugust 09, 2019Unlocking the power of stem cells
Professor Martin Pera, Ph.D. combines his extraordinary expertise in human stem cell biology with powerful JAX resources in order to bring about breakthroughs in reproductive therapies and regenerative medicine. -
Press ReleaseAugust 15, 2016Stem cell expert Martin Pera joins faculty
Martin F. Pera, Ph.D., is a leading stem cell researcher with interests in neuroscience and regenerative medicine. He will join The Jackson Laboratory in January 2017.
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Press ReleaseFebruary 14, 2023JAX scientists aim to regenerate light-sensing cells as treatment for eye disease
A generous gift from Ray Sproats will support research into using human stem cells to treat age-related eye disease. -
Research HighlightMay 15, 2020Improving stem cell cultures with ESR
Human pluripotent stem cells have enormous potential as research tools and as a platform for creating new therapies for intractable medical conditions. -
Research HighlightJanuary 04, 2018
The state of the science in culturing totipotent stem cells
A review in the journal Cell Stem Cells by two JAX scientists reports on the latest efforts to isolate and culture the elusive populations of stem cells that most closely resemble very early (two-cell stage) totipotent cells. -
Search MagazineAugust 11, 2016Liz Adkins becomes first graduate of the JAX Track PHD program
Liz Adkins becomes the first student to be accepted and graduate from the mammalian genetics Ph.D. track at The Jackson Laboratory.