Repairing stroke-injured brain by reprogrammed human cortical neurons
Description: Stroke is a leading cause of disability, yet effective treatments to promote recovery are lacking. Research indicates that reprogrammed cells can enhance functional recovery in animal stroke models. However, hitherto-tested cell grafting approaches failed to demonstrate clinically valuable benefits in stroke patients. Transcallosal cortical neurons connect cortical regions with their counterparts on the opposite side of the brain, playing an important role in neurological functions. After a cortical stroke, these neurons die, and transhemispheric functional connections are disrupted.Our goal is to evaluate the potential of transcallosal neurons in restoring functions affected by stroke. We hypothesize that this can be achieved by replacing lost transcallosal neurons and modulating neuroinflammation. We also aim to develop a novel ex vivo system for focal ischemic stroke using intact human primary cortical tissue obtained after neurosurgery and a microfluidic chamber, creating a “Brain-on-Chip” platform. This will allow us to investigate how the adult human cortex responds to injury and regenerates following cell transplantation.For the first time, our data will provide insights into interhemispheric interaction and regeneration following a stroke. We are introducing a new concept of neural co-transplantation for reconstructing cortical neuronal networks. Our translational project can foster the development of cell transplantation-based treatments for stroke patients.
Funder: Vetenskapsrådet
Amount: SEK 5,400,000
Funding type: research
Funder scheme: Project grant
Start date: 2026-01-01
End date: 2029-12-31
Investigator: Zaal Kokaia
Institution: Lund University
Funded outputs count: 1
Funder award ID: 2025-02383
OpenAlex ID: G1791134571