Given the impact of neuropsychiatric manifestations in patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and the complexity of dystrophin isoforms distribution in the brain, the underlying neuronal changes contributing to the pathology are yet to be described. Therefore, the main aim of this work is to identify neuronal phenotypic changes resulting from dystrophin loss in both iPSCs derived from DMD patients and genetically engineered ESCs. To achieve this, the student will follow up on her previous work investigating in mature neurons from several iPSC lines the effects of isoform-specific dystrophin loss on differentiation potential, neuronal morphology, presynaptic structure, and functional properties, including calcium transients and electrophysiological parameters.  As a member of an international team, the student will learn to design and perform biochemical and immunofluorescence techniques, as well as live-imaging microscopy and electrophysiological analysis. Furthermore, she will gain valuable theoretical knowledge and develop critical thinking skills, which are important for career advancement.