In the human brain, different specialized cell populations, such as neurons and glial cells, are arranged in a complex blueprint. The different cells form functional and dynamic networks and their interaction is essential for the different functions of the brain.
Many questions about the role of the different cells in the functions of the brain, both in health and in disease, remain unanswered to this day. Thus, the Bavarian Research Network ForInter aims to investigate the interaction of different cell types of the human brain in multidimensional cell culture systems.
The working hypothesis is: defined human cell-cell systems are able to model physiological and pathological interactions of the human brain.
Developments in biology and stem cell research in recent years have set the stage for the generation of multidimensional cell culture systems and cerebral organoids (mini brains) that promise novel insights into structural and dynamic interactions. As models, these enable the study of both the normal human physiology of brain development and pathogenic processes.
ForInter brings together scientists from neurobiology, with expertise in basic biology and stem cell biology, as well as scientists from neuropathology and translational neurology. The neurobiological expertise is interdisciplinarily complemented and strengthened by scientists from bioinformatics and the field of ethics and law.
Contact within the faculty: Prof. Dr. B. Winner, Department of Stem Cell Biology