Radiotherapy (including diagnostics) in combination with chemo-/immunotherapy or other neurotoxins causes severe side effects such as cognitive impairment. The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood but are associated with impaired neurogenesis/regeneration.
Based on human embryonic stem cells, a test to mimic human neurogenesis/regeneration will be performed by generating brain-like organoids/cultures containing the major cell types of the brain such as neurons, glial cells and microglia/macrophages. Clinically relevant combinations of radiation (X-ray and carbon ions) and chemo- or immunotherapy, as well as other neurotoxins (e.g. anticonvulsants), are tested to identify the signalling pathways and their regulators that are altered and lead to impaired neuronal function.
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Method
The functionality of brain-like organoids/cultures is analysed using microelectrode arrays after exposure to ionising radiation and chemotherapeutic agents.
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Publications
- M. Mayer, O. Arrizabalaga, M. Ciba, I. S. Schröder, S. Ritter and C. Thielemann, Novel in Vitro Assay to Investigate Radiation Induced Changes in the Functionality of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neurospheres, Neurotoxicology 79, p. 40-47, 2020
- M. Mayer, O. Arrizabalaga, F. Lieb, M. Ciba, S. Ritter and C. Thielemann , Electrophysiological investigation of human embryonic stem cell derived neurospheres using a novel spike detection algorithm, Biosensor and Bioelectronics, Volume 100, p. 462-468, 2018
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Project management
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christiane Thielemann
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Würzburger Straße 45
Room C1/04/110
63743 Aschaffenburg - christiane.thielemann@th-ab.de
- + 49 60 21 4206 - 817
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Würzburger Straße 45
