Breakthrough in 3D Brain Models
For the first time, scientists have developed 3D brain models using cells from multiple individuals. These new hybrid creations, called “chimeroids,” are variations of brain organoids—tissue structures that mimic a full-size brain’s function and structure.
Advancing drug research
These models are more accurate representations of human biology compared to 2D cellular models or animal models like lab mice. Scientists believe chimeroids can significantly accelerate drug research and development. Traditional brain organoids, typically grown from cells of a single donor, fail to capture the genetic diversity among people, impacting the study of brain development and drug responses.
The new study’s scientists claim that chimeroids will help overcome this limitation. “Such a ‘village in a dish’ can be particularly useful in early-stage drug testing,” they noted. Previously, researchers grew sheets of brain cells from stem cells of various individuals, but this is the first instance of growing 3D brain models in this manner.
“Chimeroids are an exciting tool that will be widely adopted in the field of neurodevelopment, probably with diverse applications,” said Aparna Bhaduri, assistant professor of biological chemistry at UCLA.
Methodology
Researchers collected stem cells from five individuals to create chimeroids, using growth-inducing chemicals to develop brain organoids from each person’s cells. They then disassembled these organoids and recombined the cells to form chimeroids, ensuring each contained an equal number of cells from each donor. This method could be expanded to include cells from even more people, potentially predicting patient responses to new drugs before clinical trials.
Future implications
“I’m excited about what the future holds in terms of using organoids, such as the chimeroids, to develop brand new ways to achieve therapeutic innovation for neurological disease,” said Paola Arlotta, co-senior study author and professor of stem cell and regenerative biology at Harvard University, in an interview with Live Science.
This pioneering work promises to enhance our understanding of neurodevelopment and propel advances in treating neurological diseases.
