Morphological Imaging of Neural Organoids to Decode Congenital CMV Impact: A MicroCT-Based Study (MINDS Study)
Image: Dorsal brain organoid
OrganoVIR Labs will collaborate with pediatricians in the MINDS study, a two-year, €47K pilot study funded by Stichting Steun Emma Kinderziekenhuis (Emma Children’s Hospital). The project, coordinated by Dr. Jason van Genderen, Pediatrician in training at Emma Children’s Hospital, will elucidate underlying mechanisms of congenital CMV (cCMV)-associated cerebral injury by investigating brain changes in cCMV neural organoids with micro-CT imaging.
Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most common congenital infection worldwide, affecting 1 in 200 newborns every year. Approximately 25% of affected children experience long-term complications, including hearing loss and neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Meet the team
The study, coordinated by Dr. Jason van Genderen brings together Dr. Renata Vieira de Sá (Senior Scientist, OrganoVIR Labs), Daniel Docter (PhD candidate, Gynaecology and Obstetrics), Dr. Ramon Gorter (Pediatric surgeon, Pediatric Surgery), Prof. Dr. Vivi Heine (Professor of Human Model Systems, Child and Adolescence Psychiatry), and Prof. Dr. Dasja Pajkrt (Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist and Co-head, OrganoVIR Labs).
Why this study matters
The MINDS study will elucidate the underlying mechanisms of cCMV-associated cerebral injury by investigating microstructural changes in cCMV neural organoids. This will be achieved by leveraging highly innovative technologies such as micro-CT scanning and confocal microscopy to image microglia-embedded neural organoids.
Ultimately, this pilot study represents a significant step toward improving our understanding of cCMV and its impact on the developing brain. By uncovering the mechanisms of cCMV, the MINDS study will contribute to optimal diagnostics, targeted treatments, and improved health outcomes for affected children worldwide.
