Cross-frequency coupling in organoids

By growing stem cells in the right conditions, we are able to create miniature brain tissue structures called organoids. These organoids have many properties that make them similar to adult brains, which makes them a valuable tool to study how brain tissues might be affected by drugs, or how brain diseases like epilepsy can occur. One method that doctors currently use to choose which drugs to give to an epileptic patient is to examine the electrical activity of an epileptic brain for the kinds of rhythms that are present and to test different anticonvulsants over time to find one that works. Our project aims to measure the electrical activity of organoids for the same kinds of rhythms that might be present in an epileptic brain, to see if these same rhythms can exist in organoids. In order to make sure we mimic what happens in epilepsy, we can add a chemical convulsant to stimulate epilepsy-like behavior from the organoids.

Faculty Supervisor:

Peter Carlen

Student:

Partner:

I-INC Foundation for Business Development

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Toronto

Program: