Measuring electrical activity of cultured human neurons

Detecting electrical activity of cultured human neurons using micro electrode arrays

This project developed a new integrated assay to study the morphology and function of human stem cell-derived neuronal cultures. The development of this assay allowed us to work with patient cells and measure important characteristics of neurological disorders.

Neurological disorders, in particular dementias, are a growing socio-economic problem in our aging society. No effective treatments are available yet. Recent studies suggest that early cognitive decline in many neurodegenerative diseases is caused by changes in neuronal connectivity and disturbances in network function, implying that early diagnosis and treatment should be targeted accordingly. Cellular assays studying patient-derived human neurons with clinical value can contribute to early diagnosis and design of treatment strategies.

They have implemented the integrated measurement of physiological and morphological features from human (skin cell)-derived neurons in a high content screening setting to get a complete perspective on neuronal function in health and disease. Simultaneous measurement of cell biological parameters (HCS, cellomics, existing) and physiological characteristics of neurons in high content mode in vitro has never been performed. New technology of Multichannel systems made this approach feasible. They have performed these measurements on human neurons from familial (e.g. Alzheimer) and frontotemporal dementia patients.

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Summary

Developing methods to measure the electrical activity of human neurons. These cells are grown in the culture dish and are made from skin cells. The skin cell derived human neuronal cells of patients will be used to see whether the electrical activity of these neurons is disturbed. In addition microscopy will be used to look at the cell’s structure.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL)

1 - 3

Time period

36 months

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