Modulation of astrocytes as new paths to dialogue with the brain - ASTROTALK
Abstract
The major barrier for the success of previous and current Neurotechnologies that measure and stimulate brain activity, is a lack of consideration of the other half of brain cells, called astrocytes. The main ambitions and questions the ASTROTALK aim to address are- Can we challenge and change the paradigm in brain modulation? Can we set the basis to modulate, enhance, improve the neuronal network function by targeting selectively astrocytes? If so, which is the biophysics and the physiology beyond? To answer to these questions, ASTROTALK will leverage on knowledges demonstrating i) the importance of astrocytes function in regulating brain homeostasis, synaptic activity, and cognitive function;ii) the discovery of the ability of astrocytes to respond to chemo-physical stimuli such as nanostructures materials, direct electric stimulation by electronic devices, photo-active molecules, photonic induced stimulation and electromagnetic field generated by microwaves. To achieve the ambitious goals proposed in ASTROTALK, the PI and the Team will use- i) bioelectronic devices based on graphene oxide (GO) erivatives-coated electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation; ii) devices to precisely deliver low dose microwaves; iii)Entangled Two Photons laser pulse to deliver light based stimulation; iv) quantum nanodots nanomaterials based on black phosphorus to achieve nanomechanical stimulation and biosensing. ASTROTALK will leverage on these existing tools to disrupt the field of tools to measure and modulate neuronal network activity by proposing radically new concept of having astrocytes as direct target to achieve neural modulation (herein called gliomodulation). ASTROTALK will provide unprecedented data and mechanisms on astrocytic response to chemo-physical stimuli, on the possibility to modulate neuronal function through astrocytes. The proposed activities will be co-funded through CNR projects within the framework of the Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 14, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310736
Entities
People
- Valentina Benfenati
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
- United States Air Force