Development of a novel low-cost capillary-based cell and tissue acquisition system (CTAS)
Cell specific sorting/capture technology is a prerequisite for precise characterization of the specific cell types for understanding their function and regulation of the metabolism, as well as for preclinical translational research. Currently two major approaches for the acquisition of specific cells are available: fluorescence assisted cell sorting (FACS) and laser-capture microdissection (LCM). These technologies are sophisticated and the instruments are not only very expensive but have high maintenance costs. NeuroInDx is developing a low-cost vacuum-assisted capillary-based cell and tissue acquisition system (CTAS) that can be easily automated and offers a wide range of cell- and tissue-specific separation parameters.
High-throughput microarray-based microdialysis (FAST-MD) with parallel measurement of brain electrical activity
NeuroInDx is developing a novel type of fast microdialysis system (FAST-MD) that will provide real time measurements of brain extracellular chemical compounds (e.g. neurotransmitters) with parallel recording of brain electrical activity. The approach utilizes continuous collection of cerebro-spinal fluid using microfluidics, analyte detection using enzymatic reaction that generates a fluorescent signal, robotic deposition of the developed samples in a microarray format, and parallel monitoring of brain electrical activity. Phase I project is focused on the development of the Fast-MD prototype, its key components, process optimization and enzymatic detection of glutamate and glucose.
Rat transcriptome biomarkers for the prediction of temporal lobe epilepsy
Status epilepticus (SE) is a common cause of hippocampal neurodegeneration and synaptic reorganization that ultimately may, or may not lead to the development of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). While the role of SE as a possible cause of TLE has been recognized, no effective prognostic tools exist that would reliably predict whether chronic epilepsy would indeed develop in post-SE patients. Hence it is not known whether post- SE patients should undergo antiepileptogenic preventive therapy, and in which case, the effectiveness of such therapy is difficult to assess. The current project proposes the development of a simple diagnostic blood test method that would allow predicting the development of epilepsy in post-SE patients. The test will be based on the detection of characteristic gene expression changes in the peripheral blood that precede the progression of epilepsy. This will provide an important diagnostic tool and could indicate the necessity of prophylactic treatment to prevent the development and progression of chronic epilepsy. Such a test would also be useful in prognostic assessment of the effectiveness of antiepileptic therapy.