Abstract

Applications of On-Chip Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Roger Kamm, Cecil and Ida Green Distinguished Professor of Biological and Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

With advances in iPS cell technology, microfluidics and organoid biology, we now have the capability to create models of single- or multi-organ function for studies of function in health and disease.  These models have numerous applications ranging from the fundamental study of multi-cellular interactions to screening for new agents to treat disease.  In this talk, the focus will be on models of the central or peripheral nervous system, and how these can be used to study neurodegenerative diseases.  Two models will be discussed.  In one, we use genetically modified neurons co-cultured with endothelial cells to examine bi-directional consequences of amyloid-beta on endothelial permeability and of compromised vascular permeability on neuron function.   A second example involves the development of a motor unit model and its application to ALS drug screening.