HD-MEA-based Neuronal Assays and Network Analysis for Phenotypic Drug Screenings
| Title | HD-MEA-based Neuronal Assays and Network Analysis for Phenotypic Drug Screenings |
|---|---|
| Acronym | HD-Neu-Screen |
| Start date | 2020-01-01 |
| End date | 2021-06-30 |
| Sponsor | European Research Council - Proof of Concept (ERC-PoC) |
| Institution | ETH Zurich |
Associated cell lines
Project Description
In order to overcome the limitations of existing methods for phenotypic drug screening, we propose to develop accurate, label-free, functional neuronal assays for phenotypic/functional drug screening in vitro. These assays will rely on the primary readout of neurons - their electrical signals. We propose to translate and commercialize the assessment of characteristic electrophysiological features of subcellular neuronal components, individual neurons and neuronal networks, all of which can be obtained with high-density microelectrode array technology (HD-MEA), into functional neuronal assays for drug screening. Most of these characteristic features have been developed in the concurrent ERC AdG “neuroXscales”. The model systems for the PoC will include commercially available hiPSC-derived neuronal cell lines. The PoC will be performed in collaboration with the company MaxWell Biosystems AG (http://www.mxwbio.com/), which commercializes multi-well HD-MEA platforms for use in research labs and industry.