Project description
Restoring neuronal function with brain organoids
Brain injuries may lead to irreversible neurologic deficits, with no therapeutic options for neuronal replacement. Despite the promise of stem cell therapy, it only provides trophic support without any substantial benefit for tissue regeneration. The key objective of the ERC-funded COnNect project is to use cortical brain organoids (CBOs) to restore neuronal networks following brain injury. The researchers will develop a 3D hydrogel that supports the engraftment of CBOs and stimulates plasticity and formation of synapses. Integration of CBOs in the brains of mice will help the project team evaluate the potential of this approach as therapy for cortical brain lesions.
Objective
Brain injuries affecting the cerebral cortex result in devastating neurologic deficits from irreversible loss of neurons and still do not have any therapeutic option. The only possible treatment for these conditions would be the reconstruction of the lost neuronal circuits which could be achieved, in principle, by stem cell therapy. However, when stem cells are engrafted they only provide trophic effect and are incapable of substantial tissue replacement and rewiring the damaged tissue. With this project I aim at implementing a paradigm shift toward a new targeted therapeutic approach enabling restoration of functional neuronal network activity in cortical brain lesions. In this view, I aim at: i) Developing a human-specific hydrogel able to support cortical brain organoids (CBOs) engraftment; ii) Achieving in vitro guidance of functional neuronal connections between CBOs via 3 dimension (3D) bioprinting; iii) Connecting CBO and lesioned mouse visual cortex using intravital 3D bioprinting; iv) Achieving in vivo functional network restoration via guided CBO integration within the lesioned cortex circuit. I already developed in vivo fabrication of customized 3D hydrogels by 2-photon mediated crosslinking of photo-sensitive polymers in cortical brain of living mice adjacent to implanted CBOs, able to guide CBO’s growth in vivo. The ground-breaking nature of COnNect lays on the novel idea of i) creating in situ extra cellular matrix (ECM) mimic structures to re-establish in vivo the neuronal network and the lost neurological functions; ii) using brain organoids as an electrically active unit with defined organized structure to stimulate brain plasticity and reinforce synaptic connections with the host brain tissue. The proposed project has the potential to provide a new beyond state-of-the-art therapeutic option for cortical brain lesion therapy only possible combining multiple competences belonging to different fields: neuroscience, cell therapy, bioengineering.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2022-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
35122 PADOVA
Italy
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