Imaging-assisted engineering of neural organoids
Imaging-assisted engineering of neural organoids to target neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) IMAGIBRAINDD project
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) affect 2-5% of children worldwide. In this interdisciplinary project, we join efforts with Prof. S. Vergult and propose an innovative pipeline to study NDDs using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids with dedicated high-resolution multi-parameter live FLIM microscopy.
Using genetic manipulation of FOXG1 syndrome iPSCs, we will produce 3D neural organoids, providing us with important information on disease development at early stages. These organoids will be subjected to state-of-the-art analysis with chemical and nanosensors measuring live tissue oxygenation, cell metabolism, proliferation and Ca2+ dynamics in a non-destructive way, compatible with downstream scRNA-seq, electrode-based and other analyses. Our project will help to unravel the aetiology of FOXG1 syndrome and is expected to improve our understanding of human brain development. Moreover, this project will pave the way for future interdisciplinary projects on tissue engineering and therapy development for NDDs.