Engineering novel neuronal circuits using HI-PSCS derived neurons and microglia

Ramos-Cruz, Karla P.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/110615 Copy

Description

Title

Engineering novel neuronal circuits using HI-PSCS derived neurons and microglia

Author(s)

Ramos-Cruz, Karla P.

Issue Date

2020-12-09

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Bashir, Rashid

Department of Study

Bioengineering

Discipline

Bioengineering

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• neurons
• microglia
• human stem cells
• micro electrode array

Abstract

The inner workings of our brain’s neural network are one of the most impactful yet simultaneously least understood natural phenomena. Previous research suggested that there might be a link to the emerging role of microglia in synaptic remodeling. However, it is still unclear as to what is the role of microglia during the development and refinement of the neuronal circuits in the brain. From previous in vivo studies, we know that microglia mediate the synaptic pruning during neuronal circuit formation, and thus we hypothesized that microglia will remodel the connections within the human cortical neuronal circuit development, resulting in higher synchronicity and stable firing of action potentials for a longer period of time. The presence of micro-glia could also help the neuronal circuits and systems to reach maturation faster. Here, we engineered an in vitro neuronal model to study the role of microglia and how they can modulate electrophysiological behavior in human-induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSC) derived cortical neuronal network during development. We characterized the cell population and functionality of neurons and microglia in culture and on a microelectrode array (MEA). The Real Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription (qRT-PCR) showed that we differentiated into a mixture of excitatory and inhibitory neurons that belong to the cortex. This was supported by the immunocytochemistry (ICC) of T-Box Brain Transcription Factor 1 (TBR1) a characteristic protein of the cerebral cortex. Importantly, our initial MEA data suggests that the electrical activity of cortical neurons increased when co-cultures were performed in the presence of microglia.

Graduation Semester

2021-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/110615

Copyright and License Information

© Copyright 2020 by Karla P. Ramos-Cruz All rights reserved.

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