Florian Merkle is a NYCSF-Roberston Stem Cell Investigator and Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Cambridge. His group studies the disease mechanisms of metabolic and neurodegenerative disease using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived and animal model systems with the ultimate aim of developing new therapies, covering three main themes. First, he and his group study genetic stability of hiPSCs and are identifying culture methods that minimise the appearance of culture-acquired mutations such a TP53 point mutations. They have nominated the hiPSC line KOLF2.1J as a ‘reference’ for the field that is now used by over 600 groups worldwide and forms the basis of several large-scale genetic studies. Second, Florian’s group differentiates hiPSCs into hypothalamic neurons that regulate appetite and has used this model system to reveal how anti-obesity drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) signal and to identify new candidate appetite-regulatory targets and anti-obesity therapeutic strategies. Finally, the Merkle group studies the mechanisms linking metabolic and neurodegenerative disease including how some anti-obesity drugs are neuroprotective. These studies, bridging hiPSC and mouse models, have the potential to rapidly enter the clinic due to drug repurposing. Florian is also an affiliate member of the Institute of Metabolic Science and Cambridge Stem Cell institute, and serves as an industry consultant, board member, and entrepreneur.
