Laboratory of Xandra O. Breakefield, Ph.D.

Overview

Our laboratory focuses on understanding genetic mechanisms underlying diseases of the nervous system and developing therapies and biomarkers for these diseases.

A major emphasis has also been on brain tumors, especially glioma/glioblastoma, as well as on tumor suppressor syndrome -Tuberous sclerosis types 1 & 2. We have developed preclinical mouse models for these tumors and used a number of viral vectors and nanoparticles for gene therapy.

Our recent work has also focused on characterization of extracellular vesicles (exosomes and microvesicles) released by brain tumor cells, including their use as biomarkers, their ability to modify cells in their microenvironment in favor of tumor growth, and their potential as therapeutic delivery vehicles in the nervous system.

Research Projects

• Gene Therapy for TSC 1 and 2 using AAV vectors.
• Nanoparticles and EVs in glioblastoma as vehicles of RNA delivery (e.g. microRNA) in tumor progression and therapy.
• Focused Ultrasound & click chemistry for targeted therapy in the brain.

Research Team

Koen Breyne, Ph.D.
PI, Assistant Professor

Koen Breyne is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Dr. Breyne's lab develops gene delivery platforms to treat hereditary neurological diseases and brain tumors. Engineered extracellular vesicles, AAV vectors, and CRISPR technologies enable precise targeting and correction of disease-causing mutations in the nervous system. In parallel, our work explores immune mechanisms in brain tumors to develop next-generation immunotherapies.

Emilio Di Ianni, Ph.D.
Instructor

Dr. Di Ianni develops non-viral delivery strategies for gene therapies that integrate lipid nanoparticles, bioorthogonal chemistry, and focused ultrasound to achieve targeted delivery across the blood–brain barrier. His work aims to improve therapeutic precision in glioblastoma and neurodegenerative diseases while minimizing systemic effects.

Shilpa Prabhakar
MSc, Research Lab Operations Manager, Sr. Research Technologist

Shilpa is a dedicated scientist and laboratory manager with 24 years of experience leading research operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving scientific excellence. Proven track record in overseeing complex lab environments, managing cross-functional teams, and optimizing workflows to support high-quality, reproducible results. Skilled in budgeting, staff development, safety protocols, and the implementation of innovative technologies, with a strong commitment to advancing research goals while maintaining operational efficiency.

Edwina Abou Haidar, M.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow

Sia Shah
Former undergraduate student (Northeastern University)

Irene Miraglia, Ph.D.
Graduate Student (Incoming September 2026)

Alessandro Principi
MS student, University of Geneva, Switzerland

Mashaal Desiree Khan
MS student, University of Switzerland (Incoming in July 2026)

Sophia Truman
Undergraduate student, Northeastern University (Incoming in July 2026)

Emilie Vilaylack Sayavongsa
Former MS Graduate Student, University of Geneva, Switzerland

Pierre Repiton, M.S., Ph.D.
Graduate Student, University of Geneva, Switzerland

Elizabeth Champagne
Research Technician, part-time during the school year (Villanova University)

Liz develops gene editing strategies for hereditary neurological diseases and engineers’ novel therapeutic proteins to target and treat brain disorders.

Ayrton Zargani-Piccardi, M.S., Ph.D.
Graduate Student

Ayrton integrates precise genome editing with targeted CNS delivery by engineering extracellular vesicles (EVs) to cross the blood–brain barrier for prime editing–based treatment of hereditary neurological disorders, while advancing EV platforms that overcome cargo and immunogenicity constraints.

Robin Sobolewski-Lamberti
Sr. Grants Administrator/Unit Project Manager

Robin is the Senior Grant Administrator and Unit Project Manager in the Department of Molecular Neurogenetics under Dr. Xandra Breakefield, providing grant management and financial guidance and serving as a liaison with MGH central grants.

Suzanne McDavitt
Administrative Assistant

Suzanne serves as the Administrative Assistant in the Department of Molecular Neurogenetics and Neurology Department. She plays a critical role in supporting the Unit Director and contributing to the effective functioning of the department by supporting faculty and staff.