Cellular Models for Brain Disorders

Doel vak

This course aims to introduce applied stem cell technologies. A rising
number studies use induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies to
model human genetic brain disorders. The course illustrates experimental
approaches to study brain disorders from genetic analysis, stem cell
cultures to functional assays, such as genome-wide association studies
(GWAS), iPSC cultures, neural cell differentiation, 3D organoid
cultures, and functional iPSC product characterization. The use of these
techniques is demonstrated by hands-on training and embedded in short
research projects. Stem cell cultures will be analyzed and results will
be presented and discussed in plenary sessions. Current state of genetic
and stem cell field in neuroscience will be explained in supporting
lectures.

Learning objectives:
1. The student understands how human genetic studies can guide iPSC
research.
2. The student understands the prospects and challenges of stem cell
technologies.
3. The student is familiar with current state of iPSC research in the
context of genetic brain diseases, such as neuropsychiatric disorders.
4. The student can follow procedures for good cell culture practice.
5. The student can define a specific research question in a small team
and translate this into an experimental set-up with appropriate
controls.
6. The student can process obtained experimental data in a clear oral
presentation in English. The student contributes actively to the
discussion of the other presented projects.

Inhoud vak

This is a practical course. In small work groups you will be introduced
to advanced stem cell technologies and receive hands-on training. By
executing a small research project, multi-disciplinary research
involving genetic studies and stem cell assays, will be illustrated.
Different stem cell cultures, including iPSC and 3D organoid cultures,
will be demonstrated. Theoretical background and methods will be
achieved by using examples from recent literature.

Aanvullende informatie onderwijsvormen

lecture, practicals, work groups and presentations.

Participation in all practicals/workgroups is obligatory. Attending the
lectures is highly recommended.

Toetsvorm

The grading will be as follows:
Final exam (lecture content): 30%
Research Report: 20%
Research Presentation: 20%
Practicals / Lab Execution: 30%

To pass the course one needs a grade that is at least 5.5 for every
part; compensation is not possible.

Vereiste voorkennis

Are you enrolled in another program than MSc Neurosciences and would
like to participate in this course? Send an e-mail to the course
coordinator before the course starts so that your eligibility can be
evaluated.

Literatuur

Literature can be studied during the course and will be provided at the
start of the course.

Aanvullende informatie doelgroep

Course for MSc Neurosciences. Are you enrolled in another program and
would like to participate in this course? Send an e-mail to the course
coordinator before the course starts so that your eligibility can be
evaluated.

Overige informatie

A maximum of 15 students can be accommodated in the course. Preference
is given to students who participate in the Master of Neuroscience
program of the VU University Amsterdam. Course is taught in English.