From generating to assessing human neuronal networks on the chip
How to investigate key aspects of human neuronal network formation and how to reveal the mechanisms underlying complex mental disorders? Through a multidisciplinary lens, the course introduces best practice for so called “human brain on a chip” approaches which allow new ways for investigating gene-cellular phenotype correlation.
The “Hands-on course on human stem cell-derived neuronal networks in health and disease” integrates knowledge from genetics, neurobiology, molecular assays, biophysics, and statistics to equip students with the skills necessary for designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting findings.
This course aims at senior master and PhD students with a strong background and interest in neurosciences. The course will be particularly valuable for early career scientists who have recently started and or intend to start studies with human stem cell-derived models for neurological disorders. Conceptually, the course will focus on neurodevelopmental disorders as example cases for understanding the clinical needs as well as the experimental possibilities in the related translational human stem cell research.
During the course the participants will learn how to reliably generate and use in vitro human neurons for neuronal network development in health and disease. Following up on a very successful first edition of a similar summer school in 2025, we established lab facilities that now allow participants wet-lab hands-on training on generating their “own” human stem cell-derived neuronal network cultures, maintaining and assessing these cultures, e.g. by using culture-on-a-chip low- and high-density Micro Electrode Array (MEA) recordings. The extensive hands-on training is framed by theoretical training on relevant basic neurobiological and methodological concepts, best practice approaches for data analyses and interpretation as well as by presentations given by expert researchers in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. During the course, flash talks on own projects, master classes, social activities and group project work on designing and defending research ideas will allow for extensive networking opportunities.
Learning objectives
Overall goal of the course: Using the extensive local expertise, both on theoretical and experimental level, amended by invited external clinical and technical experts as speakers, the course will provide the attendees with the knowledge to plan and execute human stem cell related studies on neuronal networks in health and disease.
By the end of the course, you as participant will be able:
- …by theory & hands-on practice how to plate hIPS cells and to induce robust differentiation into viable neuronal 2D cultures that can serve as in vitro models for studying neurological disorders.
- … by theory & hands-on practice how to assess, analyze and interpret functional aspects of neuronal network development using micro electrode arrays.
- … to critically assess the design and usefulness of human stem cell-derived neuronal in vitro models for specific neurodevelopmental disorders.
- … to apply the human neuronal network on the chip methodologies to uncover molecular, structural, and functional aspects of neuronal networks within the human genetic background, with an emphasis on longitudinal studies.
- … to design relevant experimental strategies for answering current needs in the field of translational neuroscience and in a team to formulate as well as defend stem cell related research projects.
