CEREBRal vasculature In Stroke – an organ-on-a-chip approach

In CEREBRIS, Leiden-based organ-on-a-chip company MIMETAS will join forces with the Neuroinfection & Neuroinflammation group of the Amsterdam UMC led by Prof. Elga de Vries. Together we will develop a neurovascular unit on-a-chip model to study brain vasculature and stroke.

There are currently ~372,000 stroke survivors in the Netherlands. Many stroke survivors experience continued disability. Furthermore, they are at increased risk of developing dementia. Aside from the societal impact, strokes also account for a significant economic burden (1.36 billion euros in NL in 2019, which accounted for 1.4% of the total health expenses). A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying stroke will improve stroke survivors’ quality of life and participation in society, reducing healthcare costs and costs arising from patients’ decreased participation in the workforce.

In this project, we will develop a model of the brain’s vasculature, also referred to as the neurovascular unit. Different cell types present in the human brain will be cultured in OrganoPlates containing so called “microfluidic chips”, which allow us to model the 3D structure and complexity of the human brain. A network of blood vessels will form, surrounded by supporting cells such as pericytes, immune cells such as microglia, and nerve cells. We will mimic stroke in these models by depriving the cells of glucose and oxygen and assess the effects on blood vessel integrity and neuroinflammatory events. The insights gained from this study will help improve our understanding of stroke mechanisms and assess potential restorative therapies.