VADIS
Research Area:
Research Lines:
Research Lines:
Responsible:
NRRP
DEIB Role: Coordinator
Start date: 2024-08-01
Length: 14 months
Project abstract
VADIS - in Vitro AnD In Silico multi -organ-on-chip for functional evaluation and modeling of neuronal development and brain-environment interaction merges two approaches: organs-on-chip platforms for in vitro mimicking neuronal units and computational modeling for studying physio/pathological functions in the developing brain. This endeavor bridges the gap between biological and computational experiments, offering a novel framework for studying and manipulating neurophysiological processes.
Building upon the integration of microfluidics, 3D microarchitectures, and cell cultures, the project propose the development of multi-organ on chip (MOoC) platforms that will host co-cultures of neurons and glia derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
MOoC will feature collagen-based matrices to recreate the in vivo microenvironment and accurate control over the mechanical milieu. The combination of these features can recapitulate the developmental stages of the human brain, thus guiding the differentiation of iPCSs into the mature cells typically found in the adult tissue. Besides, the MOoC will incorporate the Blood-Brain Barrier, which represents the entry point of molecules and drugs in vivo. MOoC will facilitate non-destructive readouts of key parameters, including bio-electrical signals and high content imaging.
The second facet of our project focuses on simulating the MOoC, employing a bottom-up approach. This strategy involves creating an in silico model of the in vitro network by connecting layers of neural populations and incorporating plasticity. This model aims to understand how modulation of neuronal activities produces computational properties, utilizing simplification strategies to capture essential electrophysiological features.
The synergistic integration of the MOoC platforms and neurocomputational models will advance the understanding of neuro(patho)physiology. VADIS will contribute to developing advanced tools for studying and manipulating neurobiological systems, fostering breakthroughs in both neurobiology and contributing towards the understanding of brain-environment interaction.
Building upon the integration of microfluidics, 3D microarchitectures, and cell cultures, the project propose the development of multi-organ on chip (MOoC) platforms that will host co-cultures of neurons and glia derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
MOoC will feature collagen-based matrices to recreate the in vivo microenvironment and accurate control over the mechanical milieu. The combination of these features can recapitulate the developmental stages of the human brain, thus guiding the differentiation of iPCSs into the mature cells typically found in the adult tissue. Besides, the MOoC will incorporate the Blood-Brain Barrier, which represents the entry point of molecules and drugs in vivo. MOoC will facilitate non-destructive readouts of key parameters, including bio-electrical signals and high content imaging.
The second facet of our project focuses on simulating the MOoC, employing a bottom-up approach. This strategy involves creating an in silico model of the in vitro network by connecting layers of neural populations and incorporating plasticity. This model aims to understand how modulation of neuronal activities produces computational properties, utilizing simplification strategies to capture essential electrophysiological features.
The synergistic integration of the MOoC platforms and neurocomputational models will advance the understanding of neuro(patho)physiology. VADIS will contribute to developing advanced tools for studying and manipulating neurobiological systems, fostering breakthroughs in both neurobiology and contributing towards the understanding of brain-environment interaction.
