Opto-Electronic Neural Connectoid Model Implemented for Neurodegenerative Disease

Project Information

OpenMIND

Grant agreement ID: 101047177

DOI

10.3030/101047177

Project closed

EC signature date 30 June 2022

Start date 1 November 2022

End date 30 April 2026

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 2 992 203,75

EU contribution

€ 2 992 203,75

Coordinated by

DANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIVERSITET
Denmark

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - OpenMIND (Opto-Electronic Neural Connectoid Model Implemented for Neurodegenerative Disease)

Reporting period: 2022-11-01 to 2023-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, represent a group of serious conditions that gradually damage the entire brain and nerves. This leads to problems with, for instance, thinking, memory, and movement. Sadly, there is no cure yet, and treatments that are available today only help with symptoms without stopping the disease from getting worse. In Europe, these diseases affect a huge number of people, about 1 in 3, and caring for them costs an enormous amount of €798 billion every year.

One of the greatest challenges in finding a cure is that by the time symptoms can be noticed, a significant part of the brain has already been damaged. Take Parkinson's disease as an example; the problems with movement can only be seen after a significant loss of certain brain cells.

Here is where the OpenMIND project steps in. It is a cutting-edge research initiative that aims to create a new way to study Parkinson's disease. The project uses special lab-grown mini-brains, called organoids, which mimic different parts of the human brain. Here is what makes this project so exciting and unique:

1. Custom Mini-Brains: We grow these in the laboratory from human stem cells to represent different parts of the brain.

2. A Special System for the Mini-Brains: This setup allows us to:

• Place different mini-brains in their own dedicated spaces (chambers).
• Connect them with tiny channels so that they can 'talk' to each other.
• Wrap these connections with a protective layer, like what happens in our brains.
• Use light to activate specially modified neurons in these mini-brains.
• Measure how these mini-brains communicate by detecting the chemicals they release.

With OpenMIND we can explore how stem cells turn into brain cells in an environment that is like the real brain. We can watch how connections form between different brain parts and understand why certain brain cells connect to specific regions. This setup is also great for testing new drugs and treatments. It allows us to study how different drug candidates and new treatments affect one part of the brain and if they influence other parts.

The big goals of the project include:

• Creating light-sensitive mini-brains with special neurons.
• A system to control how these mini-brains connect.
• 3D printing techniques for creating more realistic mini-brains and tools for studying them.

Besides pushing forward research on Parkinson's and other similar diseases, OpenMIND aims to reduce the need for animal testing, which is a big step for developing more ethical research. This could lead to amazing new treatments for these tough diseases that affect so many people.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

OpenMIND's big goal: The main aim of OpenMIND is to create a new way to study brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. How? By using a special setup that holds tiny, lab-grown mini-brains. These mini-brains are specially modified to respond to light and are designed to imitate different parts of the human brain. They're connected to each other through tiny channels, creating a more realistic, human-like environment for testing new drugs and treatments.

What has been done so far:

1. Microfluidic Systems: We have developed a unique setup that lets these mini-brains connect to each other.

2. Special Neurons: We have modified neurons in these mini-brains so they can be controlled with light.

3. Oligodendrocytes for Protection: These are cells that wrap around nerve fibers for protection. Here, we use them to cover the connections between mini-brains.

4. Different Mini-Brains: We have successfully grown mini-brains that represent specific brain regions.

5. Connecting the Mini-Brains: We have shown that these mini-brains can form connections with each other.

6. Advanced Chips: We have created a special chip that uses light and tiny carbon electrodes to study these mini-brains.

7. Measuring Brain Chemicals: We have been able to measure, in real-time, the release of dopamine, an important brain chemical, the lack of which causes the typical movement problems associated with Parkinson’s disease.

8. A Prototype System: This system allows us to use light to stimulate the mini-brains in a controlled environment.

What is going to happen next:

1. More Testing: We are planning to test the prototype system further with these advanced chips.

2. Upgraded System: We aim to develop a multi-chamber system, where each part can be controlled separately to study the interaction between different mini-brains.

3. Mimicking Brain Pathways: We want to grow mini-brains that can mimic specific brain pathways, like the one affected in Parkinson's disease.

4. Making Connections More Realistic: We plan to cover the connections between mini-brains with a protective layer, just like in our brains.

By achieving these goals, OpenMIND is paving the way for better understanding of brain diseases and potentially curing them, while being able to reduce the need for animal testing. This project is a big step forward in medical research, bringing hope for those affected by these devastating diseases.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Impact of OpenMIND: OpenMIND is set to make a huge difference in how we study and develop new treatments for brain diseases, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Its main advantage is that it offers a way to test drugs and treatments without using animals, using human-like mini-brains instead. This approach is not only more ethical, but could also lead to more accurate and efficient drug development, reducing the burden on both the healthcare system and the environment.

Key achievements to look forward to:

1. Better Mini-Brains: We are working on improving how to grow specific types of brain cells from human stem cells.

2. Light-Responsive Neurons: We aim to refine the process of creating neurons that can be controlled with light.

3. Advanced Nerve Protection: We are developing new ways to create cells that protect nerve fibers, which is crucial for brain health.

4. Specialized Mini-Brains: We plan to improve the way to grow mini-brains that mimic specific parts of the human brain.

5. Connecting Mini-Brains More Effectively: We are developing better approaches how to connect these mini-brains to each other, representing different brain areas.

6. High-Tech Testing Systems: We are creating advanced systems that combine microfluidics, 3D printing, and electronics for stimulating mini-brains with light and monitoring brain chemicals in real-time.

7. A New Way to Model Diseases: We are developing a holistic approach to disease modeling that considers how treatment in one part of the brain affects other parts.

8. Foundation for Future Research: We are setting the stage for future platforms that could automatically test drugs, making the process more efficient and accurate.

Overall, OpenMIND is on its way to revolutionizing the research in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, making it more humane, accurate, and efficient, and potentially leading to breakthroughs in treatment for these challenging conditions.

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