The aim of the project is to investigate network formation by induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cortical neurons using microfluidic devices. Two populations of neurons that are environmentally isolated will be grown on compartmentalised microstructures. The sub-networks of connected neurons will be assessed for synaptic communication between the two environmentally isolated cultures by synaptophysin immunostaining within the microchannels and verification by calcium imaging studies. Thus the microfluidics device will be used to functionally characterise neuronal network formation by iPSC-derived neurons.
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Dr Graham Robertson
Co-Investigators:
Dr S. Wray, UCL
Prof. J. Hardy, UCL
Dr M. Zagnoni, Univ. Strathclyde
Dr T. Bushell, Univ. Strathclyde
Roslin Cells
Rbiomedical
The overall aim of this project is to establish a novel and robust microfluidic neuronal network system to quantitatively measure the pathological spread of αSyn between human neurons. This assay system will serve as a platform to test novel therapeutics targeted at preventing αSyn pathology and transmission.
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Dr Rozan Vroman
(Dr Graham Robertson, Dr Karamjit Singh Dolt)
Co-Investigators:
Dr T. Kunath, Univ. Edinburgh
Dr M. Zagnoni, Univ. Strathclyde
UCB Biopharma
The aim of this project is to develop novel miniaturised systems for advanced culture and patterning of neurons that will allow pharmacological investigation of cellular activity and network communication. Development of these systems will be a significant step forward in CNS drug discovery studies, as well as allowing the investigation of cellular and sub-cellular activity under conditions mimicking those proposed to underlie CNS disorders.
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Christopher MacKerron
Co-Investigators:
Dr M. Zagnoni, Univ. Strathclyde
Dr T. Bushell, Univ. Strathclyde
This project aims to generate a novel and better model of small vessel disease. It combines our expertise in endothelial cells with expertise in engineering and microfluidics to generate models of perfusable small vessels to study under the microscope. This will allow us to see how dysfunctional endothelial cells cope with changes in blood/fluid pressure, high sugar and cigarette chemicals, and whether these risk factors can cause dysfunctional endothelial cells.
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Dr Rikesh Rajani
Co-Investigators:
Dr A. Williams, Univ. Edinburgh
Dr M. Zagnoni, Univ. Strathclyde
Prof C. Smith, Univ. Edinburgh
An in vitro
microfluidic model of microglia migration in stroke (Project
concluded)
The aim of the project is to validate and characterise an in vitro model of microglia migration which represents the physiological environment post stroke. By harnessing microfluidic technology, chemical gradients can be established within the device which are ideal to examine migration in conditions that are representative of the in vivo microenvironment.
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Dr Samantha White
Co-Investigators:
Dr H. Carswell, Univ. Strathclyde
Dr M. Zagnoni, Univ. Strathclyde
Dr B. McCall, Univ. Edinburgh
The aim of the project is to use microfluidic technology to generate a chemorepellent concentration gradient for monitoring OPC/microglia migration and develop an assay suitable for high throughput screening. Optimization of the assay will produce a robust method for identification of chemorepulsion inhibitors. Selected hits will represent potential candidates for regenerative therapy in Multiple Sclerosis.
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Dr Roberta Felici
Co-Investigators:
Dr M. Zagnoni, Univ. Strathclyde
Dr A. Williams, Univ. Edinburgh
The aim of this studentship is to develop a new technology based on modular microfluidic bricks that will enable the formation of interconnected functional neuronal networks by assembling components in a user-defined manner to design powerful, innovative cell-based assays for studying central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
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Daniel Megarity
Co-Investigators:
Dr T. Bushell, Univ. Strathclyde
The aim of the project is to validate and characterise in vitro the role of microglia post stroke. By harnessing microfluidic technology and developing co-culture techniques, microenvironmental chemical cues will be established which are ideal to examine cell migration and behaviour in response to in vivo like consequences of brain damage.
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Panicha Aruvornlop
Co-Investigators:
Dr M. Zagnoni, Univ. Strathclyde
Dr H. Carswell, Univ. Strathclyde
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