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Headlines 15 “This study is the first of its kind to investigate both the genetic and physiological changes in individual brain cell populations which lead to radiation-induced brain injury.” Slices of life Dr Thomas Park is based at the University of Auckland’s Department of Pharmacology and the Centre for Brain Research. H e has received a Neurological Foundation project grant to learn more about cellular damage in the brain following radiation therapy, using slice cultures of brain tissue donated by brain cancer patients. Many brain tumours are devastating, possibly fatal, and affect a wide range of people. Due to their potentially aggressive nature, treatment often requires surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This often comes at a significant cost to patient health. As many as 50% of individuals will develop radiation-induced injury to their brain. This can result in memory loss, learning difficulties and significant cognitive decline. Exactly how radiation therapy damages surrounding brain tissue is yet to be fully understood. Dr Park and his research team hope to reveal new information about this collateral damage by studying human brain slices generously donated by patients who have had brain tumours removed at Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland (Auckland Hospital). The researchers will use a novel immunohistochemistry method to fluorescently detect changes to individual cells post-irradiation using an automated multicolour microscope. As well, a technique referred to as single-cell RNA sequencing will allow the genetic changes in individual cells to be determined. This will help the team understand how different cell types in the brain respond to radiation and contribute to long-term changes in neuronal function that may lead to neurological deficits. “This study is the first of its kind to investigate both the genetic and physiological changes in individual brain cell populations which lead to radiation-induced brain injury,” Dr Park says. “From a clinical research perspective, it will provide the foundation for further investigation into potential targets to treat or prevent this condition. This could significantly reduce the burden on patients receiving radiotherapy for brain tumours, and markedly increase their quality of life.” knuckles, wrist, and elbow, all at the same time.” The team has been collaborating with neonatologists to train and improve the machine learning model's accuracy, assuring clinical efficacy of the tool. “It takes far less manpower to sit and visually assess videos than it used to, so research funding can go a long way.” Dr Abbasi and his team are also working on other projects related to infant health and brain surgery navigation. Once this phase of development is complete, Dr Abbasi hopes to attract further funding to collect baseline data from healthy babies, with a view to the app reaching patients by the end of 2024. The Neurological Foundation has committed a $15,000 small project grant to the initiative, which will be used to refine the app interface to improve usability. The Friedlander Foundation also funds the app’s development. The main investigators including Dr Abbasi all donate their time to the project. “I am extremely grateful to receive funding to develop this technology, and also extend my thanks to the parents who consented to their infants’ data being used.” The other key collaborators include Dr Angus McMorland from the University of Auckland, Dr Sian Williams from the Liggins Institute, Professor Thor Besier from the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, and Dr Malcolm Battin from Newborn Services at Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland (Auckland Hospital).