Miniature brain-like structures, or brain organoids, are the innovative research models used in BRAINCITY. Brain organoids are grown from stem cells obtained from peripheral blood or skin cells. These organoids provide insights into the mechanisms underlying neural and psychiatric disorders, and enable the testing of potential diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies.

One of the brain properties studied in BRAINCITY is neuroplasticity. This is the ability to reorganise the network of nerve cells in response to various stimuli. When we meet new people, gain new experiences or learn something, the number and distribution of synapses, i.e., connections between neurons, changes. Neuroplasticity is essential for maintaining brain health.

Distinct circuits in rat central amygdala for defensive behaviors evoked by socially signaled imminent versus remote danger 

Andraka K., Kondrakiewicz K., Rojek-Sito K., Ziegart-Sadowska K., Meyza K., Nikolaev T., Hamed A., Kursa M., Wójcik M., Danielewski K., Wiatrowska M., Kublik E., Bekisz M., Lebitko T., Duque D., Jaworski T., Madej H., Konopka W., Boguszewski P.M., Knapska E.

Current Biology, 2021, 31: 1-12

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2021.03.047

Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 activity promotes synaptogenesis in the hippocampus

Salamian A., Legutko D., Nowicka K., Badyra B., Kaźmierska-Grębowska P., Caban B., Kowalczyk T., Kaczmarek L., Beroun A.

Cerebral Cortex, 2021, 00: 1-16

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhab050

Worsening of preexisting psychiatric conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Gobbi S., Płomecka M.B., Ashraf Z., Radziński P., Neckels R., Lazzeri S., Dedić A., Bakalović A., Hrustić L., Skórko B., Es Haghi S., Almazidou K., Rodríguez-Pino L., Alp A.B., Jabeen H., Waller V., Shibli D., Behnam M.A., Arshad A.H., Barańczuk-Turska Z., Haq Z., Qureshi S.U., Jawaid A.

Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2020, 11: 581426

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.581426