Developing an In Vitro 3D Tissue Model for Studying Alzheimer’s Disease
Internship Description
Workshop Description
Alzheimer’s disease
is a degenerative disease where patients gradually lose their memory and
cognitive skills due to the death and degeneration of neurons. Neurons are the
cells responsible for transmitting information inside the brain through
electrical charges and neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that flow across
the synapses between each neuron. The main features of Alzheimer’s disease is
described to be the formation of abnormal structures called beta amyloid
plaques (formed outside of the cells) and neurofibrillary tangles (formed
inside the cells). These plaques and tangles damage the interior and structure
of neurons, causing their destruction and demise. 2D cultures are commonly used
in a wide range of in vitro research studies, however, they do not resemble in
vivo conditions, where cells would live and interact within a complex
three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment. For this reason, 3D cultures were
developed, so that they can provide a close representation or simulations of
tissues in the living organism. Considering the mentioned approaches, we
propose to develop a 3D model to generate the main two pathophysiological
features of Alzheimer’s disease –plaques and tangles. The project aims to set a
standard model to form plaques and tangles efficiently, and be able to target
the aggregation of beta amyloids and tau proteins to prevent further
aggregation in the future.
Deliverables/Expectations
Deliverables
Developing in vitro
assays such as Thioflavin assay to follow up on plaque and tangle formation
(Hauser), using selected short amyloid peptides to demonstrate amyloid
formation (Hauser), study amyloidogenesis (Hauser,Michels), molecular dynamic computational
simulations (Michels)
Faculty Name
Dominik L Michels, Charlotte Hauser
Field of Study
Field Of Study
Alzheimer’s,
amyloids, disease model, neurodegenerative diseases