Colloquium: Unraveling Human Brain Complexity: Insights into Physiology and Pathology through Human Tissue Culturing and Viral Modulation

1 October 2024

Colloquium by Prof. Dr. Henner Koch, Dept. of Neurology and Epileptology, RWTH Uniklinik, Aachen

Abstract:

Understanding the human brain at the cellular level is challenging due to the fragile nature of neuronal tissue and the limited availability of human brain material for research. Organotypic brain slice cultures have emerged as a valuable tool for exploring brain physiology and pathology, offering insights beyond the temporal limits of acute slices. The preparation of these cultures involves the optimization of obtaining brain tissue from surgical resections and the best workflow of cutting and cultivation of the slices. Notably, the culturing process is most successful when using human cerebrospinal fluid (hCSF) as the medium, as it significantly enhances neuron viability and network activity compared to artificial media.

These cultures allow the investigation of cellular function, synaptic transmission, neuronal connectivity, and the interaction of glia cells with neurons in 3D human tissue system. They provide a platform for modeling brain diseases like Alzheimer's, epilepsy, tumor entities and traumatic brain injury, offering insights into their mechanisms and potential treatments. Viral vectors, such as lentivirus and adeno-associated virus (AAV), enable genetic manipulation in these cultures. These tools allow precise control of neuronal activity and the study of gene functions, enhancing our understanding of neural circuits and neuronal function.

In summary, human organotypic brain slice cultures, combined with viral modulation, offer a powerful toolbox to study brain physiology and pathology.

More information about the speaker can be found here.

Date and time: 01 Oct 2024, 15:00 p.m., zoom webinar (link mailed to list)