# Coupling regional brain tissues with tissue chips

> **NIH NIH R03** · UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE KNOXVILLE · 2022 · $76,500

## Abstract

Project Summary
 The hypothalamus is the master regulator of the neuroendocrine system, it synapses to multiple brain
regions and coordinates physiological functions of the body. Magnocellular neurons (MCN) are key
producers of oxytocin and vasopressin, they regulate neuroendocrine functions and differentially secrete
oxytocin into the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid, and the circulatory system. How MCN differentially
regulate oxytocin release remains unresolved. Oxytocin is involved in and studied as a candidate treatment
for psychiatric and metabolic conditions such as autism, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
 Miniaturized models of organs and tissues are indispensable tools for bridging the gap between
preclinical animal models and clinical trials. Human and animal microfluidic tissue-chips provide
unparalleled control and access to cells and tissues where anatomical and technical barriers preclude in vivo
studies. We will create a microfluidic-based brain tissue chip for coupling brain slices and primary
neurospheres from at least two regions of the brain. Surface-patterned guidance cues will be used to direct
the growth of axons from oxytocinergic magnocellular neurons toward target brain tissues. Our microfluidic
system will allow for brain-to-synapse connections for the direct observation of nano-scale oxytocin
vesicles to achieve detailed studies of how different drugs influence the locations and dynamics of oxytocin
vesicle release. More generally, potential applications of our brain-to-brain tissue culture system could
include the ability to connect multiple brain regions in vitro for the benefit of immune regulation studies,
neuroendocrine regulation studies, neurogenesis and migration studies, and how drugs influence molecular
and cellular dynamics.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10527012
- **Project number:** 1R03MH128906-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE KNOXVILLE
- **Principal Investigator:** Larry J. Millet
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $76,500
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-06-01 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10527012

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10527012, Coupling regional brain tissues with tissue chips (1R03MH128906-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10527012. Licensed CC0.

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