We study neural organoids (NOs), i.e. 3D self-organized structures derived from iPSCs from healthy individuals and patients with accelerated ageing and neurodegeneration. NOs recapitulate the cytoarchitecture, cell composition, and gene expression of the early developing human brain.
In addition to regular studies on gene expression changes in patient vs healthy individuals, we have grown NOs in the International Space Station (ISS) in an experience supported by the French (CNES) and the European (ESA) space agencies, to test the possibility (proof of principle) of culturing for the first time human neural cells/structures in the long term on space, in preparation of future longterm space flights. This experiment aims also to understand whether the conditions in space (cosmic radiations, microgravity, stress-induction) alter the expression of genes implicated in ageing or degenerative processes, and wether NOs derived from patients with accelerated ageing and hypersensitivity to UV-radiation, display larger or specific gene expression changes compared to healthy controls grown in these stress conditions.
