FROM NEURONS TO POLICY: INVESTING IN BRAIN HEALTH RESEARCH FOR TEXAS
Integrating researchers with expertise in stem cells and precision medicine, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, psychology and learning to advance brain science and prevent and treat debilitating brain disorders.
Overview
The Brain Health Consortium (BHC) is a multidisciplinary and collaborative research powerhouse dedicated to unveiling the inner workings of the brain to identify novel strategies to prevent disorders, promote development and restore and improve brain function. The center utilizes cutting-edge technologies to find answers to fundamental questions regarding the mechanisms of the brain and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and related dementias. In addition to research, the BHC also supports and trains the next generation of brain health researchers and innovators. BHC is driving scientific discovery in four research pillars that have the potential to radically transform or save lives.
Stem Cell and Precision Medicine
BHC researchers are advancing precision therapeutics— treatment that’s tailored to individual patients. The center uses CRISPR gene editing, “disease-in-a-dish” models and other emerging technologies to drive precision medicine.
Applying the Disease-in-a-Dish Model
This emerging technology re-creates the mechanisms behind disorders using the patient’s own stem cells to accelerate discoveries which lead to cures. Dr. Melanie Carless applies this model to study astrocytes involved in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, making crucial progress in the development of prevention and treatment methods. BHC Director Jenny Hsieh is creating non-human primate brain organoids — small pieces of brain tissue grown in a laboratory — to uncover the points of origin of epilepsy, which could lead to the development of life-changing treatments.
Neuroscience
Researchers explore the brain at multiple scales, from genes and molecules, to cells and synapses, to circuits and systems, gaining novel insights into how disruptions in these mechanisms can lead to developmental, psychiatric or neurodegenerative disease.
Using AI to Uncover Neural Networks
Dr. Fidel Santamaria’s research, in partnership with the MATRIX AI Consortium, was recently awarded $2 million by the NSF, focuses on leveraging computational and AI models to deepen our understanding of neuronal function and interaction. This work not only advances foundational neuroscience by uncovering key mechanisms of brain activity but also drives critical innovations in artificial intelligence, bridging the gap between biological systems and AI technology.
