Project Details
Projekt
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope with Light Sheet Modul for the analysis of neuronal three-dimensional cell cultures and organoids
Subject Area
Experimental and Theoretical Network Neuroscience
Term
since 2022
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 498176770
The development of three-dimensional cell culture systems such as organoids, which feature spatially organized, organ-specific cell types and even replicate organ functions, represents a groundbreaking advance in biological research. The use of cerebral organoids as in vitro models for the human brain has also been established for some time. These are capable of generating diverse spontaneous electrical activity patterns, the analysis of which is of interest for many questions in neuroscience. However, for functional measurements on three-dimensional neuronal networks, known methods, such as microelectrode arrays, are of limited use because they are usually limited to the outer cell layers.For several years, fluorescence optical high-resolution microscopy techniques, such as multiphoton and light sheet microscopy, have been proposed for the study of living organoids, as they allow - at comparatively large penetration depths - insights into the interior of 3D samples. Light sheet microscopy in particular allows for rapid imaging, as the generation of a light sheet eliminates the need for a point scanner. This makes it a valuable tool for visualizing fast functional processes in neuronal samples. Against this background, the acquisition of a confocal laser scanning microscope with an extension module for light sheet microscopy is applied for to methodically complement currently running and planned projects. The overall objective of all projects is the functional and structural analysis of cerebral organoids, spheres and tissue sections. In a next step, network models in form of graph structures will be generated from the image data, features will be extracted and examined with machine learning methods aiming to investigate the influence of neuroactive substances, ionizing radiation or genetic factors on the network activity. We expect that the new findings will help to understand the underlying mechanisms of neuronal disease and neurotoxicological effects and thus form the basis for new therapeutic treatments. All research projects are characterized by the collaboration of scientists from Technische Hochschule Aschaffenburg (THAB) and external universities. The team is complementary and interdisciplinary from the fields of neurobiology, stem cell biology, medicine as well as data processing and artificial intelligence. The integration of the microscope in the structure of the THAB will take place through close cooperation with scientists in the field of "Intelligent Sensors and Systems Engineering", the study program "Medical Engineering and Data Science" and last but not least the "Competence Center Artificial Intelligence".
DFG Programme
Major Instrumentation Initiatives
Major Instrumentation
Konfokal mit Lichtblatt
Instrumentation Group
5090 Spezialmikroskope
Applicant Institution
Technische Hochschule Aschaffenburg
