Project
IMAGIBRAINDD: IMAGIng-assisted human BRAIn organoid engineering for studying and treating NeuroDevelopmental Disorders
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) affect 2-5% children worldwide. Here we propose an innovative pipeline to study NDDs using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids with dedicated high-resolution multi-parameter live microscopy imaging. Using genetic manipulation of FOXG1 syndrome iPSCs, we will produce 3D brain ‘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 etiology of FOXG1 syndrome and will lead to a better understanding of human brain development. Moreover, this project will pave the way for future interdisciplinary projects on tissue engineering and therapy development for NDDs.