This technology is a Modular Neuronal Network (MoNNet) platform that allows quantitative in vitro modelling of higher-order brain network properties - including segregated local-global network synchrony, complex activity motifs, formation and maintenance of neuronal ensembles, and a hierarchical modular network organization - in normal and diseased states.
Current methods for in vitro modeling of mammalian neural organization rely on densely assembled cerebral organoids. Although a valuable tool for studying brain function and disease, their efficacy in recapitulating brain network properties that encode brain function remains limited, thereby precluding development of effective in vitro models of complex brain disorders like schizophrenia. Furthermore, these platforms are not easily manipulable, limiting their flexibility and utility for tasks such as drug discovery.
This technology is a neural microphysiological system for in vitro modelling of brain function and disorders. The system utilizes neurons and iPSCs to generate networks of spheroids that mimic the hierarchic modular architecture of the mammalian brain and exhibit higher-order network features such as segregated local-global network computations, formation and maintenance of neuronal ensembles, and complex activity motifs. This allows for more accurate quantitative modeling of mammalian brain networks, with flexible control of the size, patterns, and complexity of neural connections and functional readouts. As such, this technology can be used in high-throughput platforms for patient-specific disease modeling and drug screening.
This technology has been validated using mouse primary neurons and human neural iPSCs and has been leveraged for drug discovery in experimental settings.
IR CU18176
Licensing Contact: Kristin Neuman
