Projektbeschreibung
Entwicklung eines neuartigen Organ-on-a-Chip-Modells für das Nervensystem
Innovative In-vitro-Modelle, also sogenannte Organ-on-a-Chip, bilden die Struktur und Funktion menschlicher Organe nach und sind wichtig für die wissenschaftliche Grundlagenforschung sowie für die vorklinische Entwicklung neuer Therapeutika. Die Vernetzung von Zellen und die Wechselwirkungen zwischen verschiedenen Komponenten von Organsystemen sind für das Verständnis komplexer Erkrankungen wie beispielsweise neurodegenerativer Krankheiten von wesentlicher Bedeutung. Das EU-finanzierte Projekt CONNECT entwickelt die nächsten In-vitro-Modelle für das Nervensystem. Das Projekt stellt eine interdisziplinäre Initiative dar, die Nanofabrikation, Mikrofluidik, Stammzellentechnologie, Gewebezüchtung und fortgeschrittene Bildgebung umfasst. Als Grundsatzbeweis will CONNECT die Wirksamkeit dieses Systemmodells bei der Behandlung der Parkinson-Krankheit nachweisen und so den Weg für die Entwicklung neuer therapeutischer Strategien ebnen.
Ziel
Novel micro-engineered in vitro models have been developed to mimic key functions of human organs. These so-called organ-on-chips (OoC) recapitulate the structure and function of human organs, and are particularly important for scientific research that is underlying our knowledge base of diseases and for the pre-clinical development of novel therapeutics. However, the application of these models has its limitations as they do not mimic the complexity and functioning of complete organ systems. Connectivity between cells and the linkage between different components of organ systems is essential in studying complex conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases form a major challenge for the scientific community and are associated with a heavy burden on society and the global healthcare systems. To effectively grasp the complexity of neurodegenerative disorders, the CONNECT consortium develops the next level in vitro model systems for the nervous system and puts it firmly on the map. The project acts at the convergence of a multitude of disciplines including nanofabrication, microfluidics, stem cell technology, tissue engineering and advanced imaging. The successful completion of this high risk-high gain project will enable for the first time to study a complete organ system and deliver a viable paradigm for future technology to study connectivity in the nervous system. The proposed work in this project offers a unique opportunity to culture individual nervous system components and connect them in a single “smart” microfluidic chip (CONNECT platform), forming an elementary three compartment model from the central nervous system (CNS) to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). As Proof-of-Principle, CONNECT will demonstrate the feasibility of this system model in Parkinson’s Disease. This provides CONNECT with novel insights, thereby paving the way for future development of therapeutic strategies.
Wissenschaftliches Gebiet
Schlüsselbegriffe
Programm/Programme
Aufforderung zur Vorschlagseinreichung
Andere Projekte für diesen Aufruf anzeigenUnterauftrag
H2020-FETPROACT-2018-01
Finanzierungsplan
RIA - Research and Innovation actionKoordinator
5612 AE Eindhoven
Niederlande