Laboratory-grown neurons successfully integrate with brain cells
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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To fully disclose the therapeutic potential of human embryonic stem cells, scientists need to overcome many obstacles, one of which is to achieve the functional integration of transplanted cells with human tissues or organs.
A study conducted by scientists from Wisconsin showed that neurons grown from human embryonic stem cells in the laboratory and implanted into the brain of animals successfully merged with other neurons and were able to provide the reception and transmission of nerve signals.
Neurons are specialized cells that conduct nerve impulses. The human brain contains about 100 billion neurons that constantly receive and transmit signals.
In their study, scientists transplanted neurons grown into the laboratory into the hippocampus of adult mice and evaluated their ability to integrate into the brain system. Then, in animals that had been implanted with neurons, a living tissue sample was taken to study the cell's potential for integration.
The hippocampus is a region of the brain that plays an important role in memory processing and spatial navigation.
To test the integration of neurons, scientists used a new technology known as "optogenetics", which consists of using light instead of an electric current to selectively stimulate the activity of newly transplanted nerve cells.
All 220 types of tissues in the human body come from embryonic stem cells. In the laboratory, scientists managed to control these cells, causing them to turn into different types of cells, including brain cells.
This discovery is a vital step towards the use of individual stem cells to restore damage to the brain and spinal cord, which are the most complex human organs.
The interest in human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent cells is very great, since they enable us to produce unlimited reserves of healthy, specialized cells that can be used to replace diseased or damaged tissues and organs.
Scientists believe that brain diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) and Parkinson's disease can potentially be eradicated by replacing defective cells with healthy neurons grown in the laboratory.