Organoids for studies of nervous system development and aging

• Grant number: 25/04458-9
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: December 12, 2025
• End date: February 26, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Cytology and Cell Biology
• Principal Investigator: Alexandre Hiroaki Kihara
• Grantee: Alexandre Hiroaki Kihara
• Visiting researcher: Alysson Renato Muotri
• Visiting researcher institution: Sanford Consortium For Regenerative Medicine/Scrm , United States
• Host Institution: Centro de Matemática, Computação e Cognição (CMCC). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Santo André

Abstract

The collaboration between the Neurogenetics Laboratory at UFABC and the Muotri Lab at UCSD has led to significant advances in brain organoid research, resulting in high-impact publications and the training of highly skilled researchers. Since 2020, reciprocal visits between the groups have strengthened this partnership, enabling the exchange of knowledge and innovative methods. However, earlier interactions were brief, limiting the development of long-term projects. This proposal seeks to support Prof. Alysson Muotri's extended stay at UFABC, ensuring ongoing support for research into modeling neurological diseases, developing innovative therapies, and enhancing the technical skills of local researchers.During the 12-month visit, the visiting researcher will work directly on two key experimental areas: (i) overseeing the execution of the CNPq-funded project on the effects of sertraline on neurodevelopment, using brain organoids and electrophysiological recordings; and (ii) continuing the FAPESP postdoctoral project focused on cellular rejuvenation in organoids derived from patients with familial Alzheimer's. Both areas involve laboratory work, data analysis, and preparing scientific manuscripts.The activity plan involves strengthening collaboration between the groups, with a focus on supervising experiments, applying new methodologies in brain organoids, and modeling neuropsychiatric disorders. Prof. Muotri will play a key role in co-supervising a postdoctoral project and advising graduate students, helping with the analysis of single-cell transcriptomics data and epigenetic approaches. Additionally, he will actively participate in co-supervising dissertations and theses, as well as serving on defense and qualification committees, enhancing academic development at the institution.It is essential to note that teaching activities and committee participation will complement each other and are not the primary focus of the visit, which will primarily concentrate on advancing experimental scientific research related to already funded projects. To help clarify the purpose of these activities within a broader context, the approved projects are attached to this document.The visit will also significantly influence teaching and the spread of knowledge. Prof. Muotri will assist with undergraduate and graduate courses, leading classes and workshops on organoid biology and its biomedical uses. These efforts will enhance students' interdisciplinary skills and encourage new collaborations both nationally and internationally. Over time, the visit will help develop new joint funding proposals and foster innovative technologies with translational potential, advancing science in the State of São Paulo. (AU)