Neuromodulation of Innervated In Vitro Models

Projects focusing on in vitro neuromodulation and microenvironmental modeling have grown in popularity with the introduction of biomaterials to simulate in vivo conditions, electrical stimulation and analysis devices such as microelectrode arrays, and advanced culturing techniques in platforms that allow for axon growth and interaction with other cell types. Since debilitating neurological disorders affect many in the world, it is important that experimentation often seeks to discover regenerative sources or infer deeper knowledge of normal vs disease-state neural mechanisms.

Researchers at ABNEL are currently undergoing projects involving both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Multiple technologies, including ABNEL’s organ-on-chip devices, are being harnessed to modulate neural behaviors and relationships with other cells. For example, targeted optogenetic stimulation is used to employ axonal regenerative capabilities of Schwann cells and selectively activate autonomic nerves to recapitulate cardiac innervation and determine roles in human development. Biomaterials are also being developed to mimic the extracellular matrix and allow for complex, realistic 3D creation of neural tissues

Recent publications:

Tess Torregrosa, Sophie Webster, Chiamaka Aghaizu, Jonathan Soucy, Christopher Bertucci, Leigh Plant, Abigail Koppes, Ryan Koppes. Cryopreservation and functional analysis of cardiac autonomic neurons. July 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108724

Ventre, Daniel; Puzan, Marissa; Ashbolt, Emily*; Koppes, Abigail. Enhanced total neurite outgrowth and secondary branching in dorsal root ganglion neurons elicited by low intensity pulsed ultrasound. Journal of Neural Engineering. April 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1741-2552/aabeba

Recent review:

Christopher Bertucci, Ryan Koppes, Courtney Dumont, and Abigail Koppes. Neural responses to electrical stimulation in 2D and 3D in vitro environments. July 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.07.016