During the last decade a compelling body of evidence on the capacity of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) to self-organize into 3D tissue structures has been brought up. These organoids have been derived from both embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, and used to shed light into the complex mechanisms of multi-cellular self-organization across a wide range of tissue types. Notably, protocols for brain organoids from mammalian, including human PSCs, have been successfully established and it has been demonstrated that brain organoids can recapitulate some molecular and cellular features of the in vivo brain with remarkable similarity in vitro.
During the last decade a compelling body of evidence on the capacity of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) to self-organize into 3D tissue structures has been brought up. These organoids have been derived from both embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, and used to shed light into the complex mechanisms of multi-cellular self-organization across a wide range of tissue types. Notably, protocols for brain organoids from mammalian, including human PSCs, have been successfully established and it has been demonstrated that brain organoids can recapitulate some molecular and cellular features of the in vivo brain with remarkable similarity in vitro.
Although the brain organoid field has made impressive progress during the last couple of years, there are some important limitations that currently hamper their direct translational application and interpretability. Many questions regarding the functionality of the evolved neuronal structures remain open. In this project, we propose to build up on current brain organoid technology to examine how brain organoids can be used to study the development of different brain regions. Moreover, we propose to advance a microfluidic chip to guide stem cell differentiation and thereby address some of the issues that complicate conclusions from current organoid studies. In the first part of this project, we will examine how microfluidics can improve brain organoid maturation, their neuronal differentiation potential, and viability. In a next step, we will use diffusible signalling cues to guide the self-organization of organoids and induce different regional identities within one brain organoid.
The candidate should have a profound background in neuroscience, molecular biology or a related scientific field. Moreover, he or she should be willing to learn new experimental techniques as well as run analysis and to work in a vibrant inter-disciplinary environment. Some knowledge and experience in MATLAB, Python or a comparable programming language is a plus. The minimum duration of the project is 6 months.
Although the brain organoid field has made impressive progress during the last couple of years, there are some important limitations that currently hamper their direct translational application and interpretability. Many questions regarding the functionality of the evolved neuronal structures remain open. In this project, we propose to build up on current brain organoid technology to examine how brain organoids can be used to study the development of different brain regions. Moreover, we propose to advance a microfluidic chip to guide stem cell differentiation and thereby address some of the issues that complicate conclusions from current organoid studies. In the first part of this project, we will examine how microfluidics can improve brain organoid maturation, their neuronal differentiation potential, and viability. In a next step, we will use diffusible signalling cues to guide the self-organization of organoids and induce different regional identities within one brain organoid.
The candidate should have a profound background in neuroscience, molecular biology or a related scientific field. Moreover, he or she should be willing to learn new experimental techniques as well as run analysis and to work in a vibrant inter-disciplinary environment. Some knowledge and experience in MATLAB, Python or a comparable programming language is a plus. The minimum duration of the project is 6 months.
Applicants should submit a brief letter of motivation (1/2 page) and an up-to-date CV to Dr Manuel Schröter (manuel.schroeter@bsse.ethz.ch). Please do not hesitate to get in contact, if you have any queries.
Applicants should submit a brief letter of motivation (1/2 page) and an up-to-date CV to Dr Manuel Schröter (manuel.schroeter@bsse.ethz.ch). Please do not hesitate to get in contact, if you have any queries.