Detecting Early Synaptic Failure in Prion Disease Using Organoid Models

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Sponsored by:

Harvard Bioscience, Inc.
Date:
June 2, 2026
Time (PT):
11:00 AM
Duration (min):
60
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Join our webinar to see how early synaptic dysfunction can be captured with long-term organoid electrophysiology using Mesh MEA.

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, 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.

Presenters

Simote T. Foliaki

Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity | NIAID National Institutes of Health (NIH) (
Research Fellow

Simote Foliaki completed his undergraduate studies at The University of Hawaii and earned his PhD from The University of Melbourne, Australia. His research focuses on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, with particular emphasis on proteinopathies and prion diseases.

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Sponsor

Harvard Bioscience, Inc.

Harvard Bioscience is a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of solutions to advance life science research. For over 110 years, we have served the changing needs of life scientists in over 100 countries. Our expanding portfolio of brands include instruments for organ and animal research, cell analysis, molecular biology, fluidics, and laboratory consumables.

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