Development of a 3D model of the cortex for investigation of neurodegenerative diseases
Award Number
2641776Award Type
StudentshipStatus / Stage
ActiveDates
30 September 2019 -31 January 2024
Duration (calculated)
04 years 04 monthsFunder(s)
EPSRC (UKRI)Funding Amount
£0.00Funder/Grant study page
EPSRCContracted Centre
Aston UniversityPrincipal Investigator
Paige Alexandra WalczakPI Contact
walczakp@aston.ac.ukWHO Catergories
Models of DiseaseDisease Type
Dementia (Unspecified)CPEC Review Info
| Reference ID | 754 |
|---|---|
| Researcher | Reside Team |
| Published | 24/07/2023 |
Data
| Award Number | 2641776 |
|---|---|
| Status / Stage | Active |
| Start Date | 20190930 |
| End Date | 20240131 |
| Duration (calculated) | 04 years 04 months |
| Funder/Grant study page | EPSRC |
| Contracted Centre | Aston University |
| Funding Amount | £0.00 |
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent. Advances in modern medicine have led to an increase in life expectancy, which has led to an increase in age-associated disorders, such as dementia. The risk of developing dementia doubles every 5 years after the age of 65 (Corrada et al., 2010, Matthews et al., 2016). Current estimates suggests that AD costs the NHS~£23 billion a year (NHS, 2020). This cost divides into informal care (~42%), social care (~39%) and healthcare (~16%) (Prince, 2014). An improved understanding of the progression and diagnostic features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) will promote earlier diagnosis. There is no cure for AD, with current treatments only acting to limit symptoms and doing little to address the underlying pathology. Current platforms for testing of potential novel therapeutics are outdated and unreliable, resulting in a lack of viable treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. Animal models and conventional 2D culture platforms fail to recapitulate the complex environment found within the human cortex, an area heavily implicated in the development of age-associated neurodegeneration.
Whilst animal models do possess the three-dimensional environment necessary to model neuronal tissue, translation to human physiology is difficult. Conversely in vitro culture systems do possess the necessary humanised components but fail to reproduce the complex 3D morphologies observed in vivo. This project aims to bridge the gap between in vivo and in vitro modelling of the cortex, via creation of a 3D printed tissue engineered construct with physiologically relevant architecture and composition. Utilisation of biomaterials will enable creation of printable hydrogel scaffolds capable of supporting cell culture, while providing mechanical and biochemical cues to cells encapsulated within. A secondary support gel will be utilised to enable printing of low-viscosity bioinks necessary for creation of soft tissues such as the cortex. The ultimate aim of this project is to produce a printed hydrogel construct capable of mimicking the healthy and diseased cortex, while promoting formation of functional neuronal networks in 3D
Aims
This project aims to bridge the gap between in vivo and in vitro modelling of the cortex, via creation of a 3D printed tissue engineered construct with physiologically relevant architecture and composition. Utilisation of biomaterials will enable creation of printable hydrogel scaffolds capable of supporting cell culture, while providing mechanical and biochemical cues to cells encapsulated within.