Electrophysiological studies of medical cannabinoids on 3D human cerebral organoids and neuroglial cultures

Epilepsy, characterized by recurrent seizures, affects 1% of the population. More than 30% of patients are drug-resistant, a significant burden to their lives. New innovative ways to treat the disorder are needed. Cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, has been shown to be a promising new treatment for epilepsy. In collaboration with Avicanna, we will test the antiepileptic effects of CBD and other cannabinoids alone and in combination with common anticonvulsant drugs on both mouse and human brain tissue. In addition, we will also develop a high-throughput multi-well brain slice recording system.

Faculty Supervisor:

Peter Carlen

Student:

Yasaman Javadzadeh;Alexandra Santos

Partner:

Avicanna Inc

Discipline:

Engineering - biomedical

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Toronto