Neuromodulation through bioelectric and subcellular control of glial cells
Abstract
The overall goal of this proposed research is the design and implementation of light-controlled glial cells for understanding and rewiring of the signaling in neurons. Specifically, we will synthesize and characterize several new nanostructured silicon. The PI will investigate the interfaces between these silicon nanostructures and glial cells intracellularly. A special focus will be placed on identifying strategies to selectively target silicon over glia versus neurons . He will next perform optical control of glial activities with intracellularly intergrated silicon devices. In the following step, we will co-culture glia with neurons and study the glia-neuron electrical and chemical interfaces through optical modulation of the glial component. Finally, we will perform optical neuromodulation in animal models. The proposed project has the potential to make a breakthrough, shifting the paradigm in fundametal bioelectrics and bioelectronics through (1) the design and synthesis of newsemiconductor-based materials and devices that interact specifically with glial cells, (2)clarifying many developmental, physiological and anatomical aspects of neuron-glialcommunications, (3) understanding how signalling between glia and neurons regulates synapticdevelopment which would offer new insight into how the nervous system works and provide newtargets for the treatment of neurological diseases, (4) and the creation of new cellular materialsthat have the potential to open-up completely new areas of applications, such as in hybridinformation processing systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 19, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810503
Entities
People
- Bozhi Tian
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Chicago