BioE Seminar: Applications of On-Chip Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract: 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 develop a model of the blood-brain barrier and use it to study metastasis of breast cancer to the brain. A second example involves the development of a motor unit model and its application to ALS drug screening.