Detecting Early Synaptic Failure in Prion Disease Using Organoid Models

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders marked by progressive synaptic dysfunction long before widespread neuronal loss becomes evident. Using both mouse models and human brain organoids, researchers are uncovering how prion replication disrupts synaptic transmission and connectivity at the earliest stages of disease, often well before significant prion accumulation or clinical symptoms appear.

 

In this webinar hosted by Simote Foliaki, PhD, we explore how these models reveal early synaptic deficits in both infectious and genetic prion disease, including during the prodromal phase. We'll also discuss why capturing these gradual, long-term changes requires electrophysiological approaches and technologies like Mesh MEA that are capable of monitoring neuronal activity over extended timeframes, providing critical insights into disease progression and new opportunities for early detection.