Linked human 'mini‑brains' on a chip to model brain connections
A multi-organoid-on-a-chip platform for interrogating human brain (dys)connectivity
This project builds connected human brain organoids on a tiny chip to learn how brain circuits form and misconnect in autism and related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11289420 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work grows human stem‑cell derived organoids representing retina, thalamus, and cortex and links them on a microfluidic chip to recreate parts of the visual system. The device is designed to encourage long‑range, functionally relevant connections and to allow recording of electrical activity and gene expression. Researchers will drive activity with spontaneous, light‑based (optogenetic), and sensory‑like stimulation and then map circuit function and molecular changes. The platform aims to let scientists test many manipulations to pinpoint how connectivity problems arise in autism and other psychiatric disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism spectrum disorder or related neuropsychiatric conditions who are willing to provide clinical information or biological samples for research would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate treatment are unlikely to benefit directly because this is laboratory research using organoids rather than a clinical therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal how specific brain circuits go wrong in autism and point to targets for future tests, diagnostics, or treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Related brain organoid studies have offered useful biological insights, but linking multiple organoids on a chip to model long‑range human brain connectivity is a newer approach that is not yet proven to translate into therapies.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quadrato, Giorgia — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Quadrato, Giorgia
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.