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Scientists may have taken a big step forward in the growth path of a fully trained human brain in the laboratory. According to a new study, researchers at Tufts University have developed a 3D brain model of the brain using human neurons, which gives them a better opportunity to study abnormal brain cells.
Although brain tissue cells have been cultured for years under laboratory conditions, this technique uses a three-dimensional scaffold of functional neural tissue. The researchers used human-induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs from various sources to create "brain-type organoids".
"We found the right conditions for iPSCs to differentiate into a number of subtypes of neurons, as well as astrocytes that support growing neural networks," said David Kaplan of Tufts.
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Once these neurons were generated, they were then cultured on scaffolds made of silk protein and collagen, allowing researchers to visualize the behavior of individual cells.
The Tufts study is important because scientists can use cells from patients with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and other diseases to study how these conditions might respond to treatment.
"The growth of neural networks is sustained and very consistent in 3D tissue models, whether we use cells of healthy individuals or cells of patients with Alzheimer's disease or disease. of Parkinson's, "said William Cantley, author of the study.
Given the difficulties of studying abnormal human neural networks, it is essential to look for ways to analyze brain cells developed in as natural an environment as possible.
"This gives us a reliable platform to study different diseases and the ability to observe what happens to cells in the long run," Cantley added.
The search was published in ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering.
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