Tomas Barta

Abstract Oncogenic MYC transcription factors profoundly rewire cellular programs, imposing therapeutically exploitable dependencies in MYC‑driven cancers such as high‑risk neuroblastoma. However, dissecting these synthetic lethal vulnerabilities using tunable gene expression remains challenging. Widely used tetracycline-regulated systems rely on inducers known to perturb mitochondrial function, introducing confounding off-target effects.

Abstract The human retina contains photoreceptor cells that detect light and enable vision. The development of these cells involves a tightly regulated cascade of structural and molecular events, and their dysfunction leads to irreversible blindness in many retinal diseases. Human retinal organoids derived from stem cells have become powerful tools to model retinal development and disease, but they often remain immature and lack key features required for full function.

Abstract Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids (ROs) have become promising personalized models to study inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and develop new therapies. Although ROs mimic key retinal features and show some light responsiveness, their differentiation and maturation remain limited and lengthy.