Investigation on Co-cultured Astrocyte and neuron populations by Recording Ultra-low Signals with nanostructured electrodes. ICARUS
Abstract
Deciphering the code and the biophysical mechanisms underpinning neuron-glial long-range cross-talk and their role in information processing is a grand challenge for neuroscience. To address these emerging questions there is a need for new investigation tools allowing to study the behavior of large scale astrocytic/neuronal networks over long temporal periods without damaging the cells. ICARUS focuses on the specific question whether astrocytic networks may play a role in the generation and/or control of the physiological synchronous neuronal activity, i.e. the slow wave oscillations. This is indeed one of the most debated issues related to the astrocyte-neuron electrical cross-talk. The approach of ICARUS to characterize the dynamics in the low frequency range of astrocytes-neurons networks involves two different scales of investigation: i) mono-cultured differentiated astrocytes and neurons networks, ii) co-cultured astrocytes-neurons networks. To tackle these objectives ICARUS will exploit the nanostructured platform based on silicon nanowires covered by a Au thin film, already validated in the AFOSR funded project “ASTROMAT”, where the growth and proliferation of differentiated astrocytes as well the recording of ultra-low extracellular (EC) electrical signals related to astrocyte populations were achieved. ICARUS will provide new analytical tools for the analysis of the recorded signals to decipher the information mediated by astrocyte-neuron signalling and a valuable 2D model for broader investigations on astrocytes-neurons networks. Despite the limits related with a 2D model and the use of animal cells, the ICARUS outcomes will be primary building-blocks for understanding and engineering more complex models and in vivo systems. It is a joint proposal with two Italian teams of National Research Council, IMM-CNR and ISOF-CNR, integrating cross-disciplinary expertise in neuroscince, materials science with nanotechnology and microelectronics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 21, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95502110424XX0
Entities
People
- Annalisa Convertino
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
- United States Air Force