Project description
An array of miniature electrodes elucidates drug effects on neuronal synaptic transmission
High-throughput assays to test the effects of drug candidates on the nervous system are largely lacking, particularly when it comes to evaluating functional effects on synaptic transmission and network signalling. Measuring changes in the synaptic activity of neurons, for example individual action potentials simultaneously in many cells, has been quite difficult to achieve. Building on work in the predecessor project neuroXscales, the EU-funded project HD-Neu-Screen is exploiting its CMOS microelectronics-based high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEA) to do just that in a functional neuronal assay for drug screening. The array of microelectrodes will enable recording and stimulation of populations of neurons in culture with very high spatial and temporal resolution, using their functional electrical responses to drugs as the assay's primary output.
Objective
In order to overcome the limitations of existing methods for phenotypic drug screening, we propose to develop accurate, label-free, functional neuronal assays for phenotypic/functional drug screening in vitro. These assays will rely on the primary readout of neurons - their electrical signals. We propose to translate and commercialize the assessment of characteristic electrophysiological features of subcellular neuronal components, individual neurons and neuronal networks, all of which can be obtained with high-density microelectrode array technology (HD-MEA), into functional neuronal assays for drug screening. Most of these characteristic features have been developed in the concurrent ERC AdG “neuroXscales”. The model systems for the PoC will include commercially available hiPSC-derived neuronal cell lines. The PoC will be performed in collaboration with the company MaxWell Biosystems AG (http://www.mxwbio.com/(opens in new window)) which commercializes multi-well HD-MEA platforms for use in research labs and industry.
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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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 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.
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant
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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-2019-PoC
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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.
8092 Zuerich
Switzerland
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