Investigation of Translational Biomarkers in Electrical Signals Recorded by EEG and in Electrical Signals from Brain Organoids with Applications in Machine Learning Classification Models

• Grant number: 24/10746-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Patricia Cristina Baleeiro Beltrão Braga
• Grantee: Fernando Ribeiro Tocantins Melo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosis, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD (Attention Déficit Hyperactivity Disorder). However, the mechanisms of these neurobiological disorders are still poorly understood. In this context, it is necessary to develop reliable and robust biological models that accurately mimic the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). Exploratory analyses of electrical signals, from electroencephalogram (EEG) exams, have been used as a source to study several CNS disorders, designing methodologies that may provide new therapeutic interventions. Similarly, brain organoid models derived from patients' Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) have contributed to advances in drug indication. This research project aims to explore translational biomarkers that can effectively characterize conditions assessed by electrical signals recorded from EEG exams, and by signals from brain organoids, as well as developing machine learning classification models based on the selected biomarkers. From the results obtained, we expect to generate tools for interpreting the electrical responses of brain organoids, which can be used in various tests, such as drug exposure, aiming for their future application in translational studies.