Dr. Mojgan Rastegar, PhD, DEA

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​Professor
Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics
Scientist, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM)
Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Executive Committee - Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Manitoba

Vice-President Canadian Society of Molecular Biosciences (CSMB)
Board of Directors - Canadian Society of Molecular Biosciences
Co Director - Manitoba Epigenetic Network
CIHR Stem Cell Oversight Committee
[email protected]


My research program is focused on the regulatory role of epigenetics, DNA methylation, and MeCP2 in brain development, stem cell differentiation, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Abnormal DNA methylation, altered MeCP2 expression, and/or MECP2 gene mutations are associated with impaired brain function, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), Rett Syndrome (RTT), and MECP2 Duplication Syndrome (MDS). Currently, the full extent of MeCP2 functional roles in neural differentiation, brain development, and neurodevelopmental disorders are not fully clear. 

My lab is particularly interested on differential function and regulation of the two MeCP2 protein variants (isoforms), MeCP2E1 and MeCP2E2. We have established stem cell differentiation systems, transgenic mouse models, primary cultures of embryonic brain cells, and human post-mortem patient brains to study the involved mechanisms of brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders. Our research projects are multidisciplinary and include experimental approaches in developmental biology, molecular and cellular neurosciences, genome-wide multi-omics studies, stem cell biology, and pre-clinical investigations. The outcome of our research is expected to address fundamentally unanswered questions in stem cell differentiation and brain development, aiming to improve future therapeutic strategies of MeCP2-associated neurodevelopmental diseases, which currently have no cure. 

Education & Background
  • Postdoctoral Fellow/RA in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children – University of Toronto
  • Postdoctoral Fellow in Epigenetics and Chromatin Remodelling, McGill University
  • Postdoctoral Fellow in Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Indiana University Cancer Center, IUPUI, Indianapolis, US
  • PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
  • Diplôme d’Etudes Approfondies (DEA) in Biochemistry & Human Cellular Biology, UCL, Brussels, Belgium

Awards
  • Merit Award in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Engineering - Combination of Teaching, Service, and Research, Scholarly work and other Creative Category, The University of Manitoba (2023)
  • Outstanding Associate Editor Award – Frontier in Genetics; Epigenomics and Epigenetics (2021)
  • Ontario Rett Syndrome Association (ORSA) Research Award (2016, 2018, 2021)
  • Nominated for Manitoba Medical Student’s Association (MMSA) Teaching Award (2020)
  • International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) Award (2016)
  • NSERC-Early Career Researcher Supplement Award (2012)
  • Manitoba Medical Service Foundation (MMSF) Award (2012)
  • Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of Canada Award (2010)
  • Stem Cell Network Canadian Alumni Award, Stem Cell Network (2008)
  • Miriam and SAUL Goldberg Innovative Research Award, McGill University (2005)
  • Canadian Institutes of Health Research Cancer Consortium Training Grant Fellowship Award (2004)
  • Conrad F. Harrington Fellowship Award, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University (2003)
  • Canadian Institutes of Health Research Cancer Consortium Training Grant Fellowship Award (2002)
  • Dr. David T. W. Lin Fellowship Award, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University (2002)
  • Canderel Fellowship Award, McGill University (2001)
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Indiana University Cancer Center, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (2000)
  • Subside Scientifique Complémentaire, Patrimoine Facultaire, Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium (2000)
  • Doctoral Fellowship, Patrimoine Facultaire, Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium (1998-2000)
  • Doctoral Fellowship, Fonds de Développement Scientifique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium (1996-1998)

Current Research Funding Support
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant (2024-2029)
  • Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) Project Grant (2023-2028)​
  • Graduate Enhancement of Tri-Council Stipends (GETS) - University of Manitoba - Multiple - Ongoing
  • University of Manitoba Collaborative Research Program (UCRP)

Past Research Funding Support
  • CIHR Planning and Dissemination Grant (2023-2024)
  • Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM) Operating Grant
  • Small Research Equipment Fund (SREF) - University of Manitoba
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant (2016-2023)
  • Ontario Rett Syndrome Association (ORSA) Grant Award
  • Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI-IOF)
  • University of Manitoba Research Grant Program (URGP)
  • Tri-Council Bridge Funding for Highest Ranking CIHR Grants - Research Manitoba
  • Rady Innovation Fund Research Grant
  • Ontario Rett Syndrome Association (ORSA) Grant Award
  • University of Manitoba Research Grant Program (URGP)
  • International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) Basic Research Grant Award
  • Tri-Council Bridge Funding for Highest Ranking CIHR Grants-Research Manitoba
  • Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM) Operating Grant
  • Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) - Team Grant (2014-2019)
  • Health Sciences Centre Foundation (HSCF)
  • Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) - Catalyst Grant (2013-2014)
  • NSERC Discovery Grant
  • Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of Canada
  • Manitoba Medical service Foundation (MMSF)
  • Establishment Grant (MHRC)
  • Manitoba Health Research Council (MHRC) Operating Grant
  • Manitoba Institute of Child Health (MICH) Operating Grant
  • Dr. Paul HT Thorlakson Foundation Fund (Thorlakson)
  • Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI- LOF)
  • University of Manitoba Research Grant Program (URGP)