We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Stem Cell-Based Cultures Used for Brain Disease Research

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 08 Aug 2018
A team of neurological disease researchers used stem cell technology to culture mini-organoids comprising all the major cell types found in the human cerebral cortex - including oligodendrocytes - for brain structure/function research.

Oligodendrocytes make myelin, the fatty substance that wraps, supports, and insulates nerve cells and connections. More...
Nerve cells that lack myelin cannot communicate effectively and may degenerate.

Cerebral organoids have been shown to be an accessible system for investigations of cellular composition, interactions, and organization of the brain but have lacked oligodendrocytes. To correct this problem, investigators at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (Cleveland, OH, USA) reproducibly generated oligodendrocytes and myelin in "oligocortical spheroids" derived from human pluripotent stem cells.

The investigators reported in the July 25, 2018, online edition of the journal Nature Methods that molecular features consistent with those of maturing oligodendrocytes and early myelin appeared by week 20 in culture, with further maturation and myelin compaction evident by week 30.

Drugs that promoted myelin formation were found to enhance the rate and extent of oligodendrocyte generation and myelination, while spheroids generated from human subjects with the genetic myelin disorder Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease recapitulated human disease phenotypes.

“We have taken the organoid system and added the third major cell type in the central nervous system—oligodendrocytes—and now have a more accurate representation of cellular interactions that occur during human brain development,” said senior author Dr. Paul Tesar, associate professor of genetics and genome sciences at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. “This is a powerful platform to understand human development and neurological disease. Using stem cell technology we can generate nearly unlimited quantities of human brain-like tissue in the lab. Our method creates a "mini-cortex", containing neurons, astrocytes, and now oligodendrocytes producing myelin. This is a major step toward unlocking stages of human brain development that previously were inaccessible.”

“Our method enables generation of human brain tissue in the laboratory from any patient,” said Dr. Tesar. “More broadly, it can accurately recapitulate how the human nervous system is built and identify what goes wrong in certain neurological conditions.”

Related Links:
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine


Gold Member
Flocked Fiber Swabs
Puritan® Patented HydraFlock®
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Pan-Cancer Panel
TruSight Oncology 500
New
Automatic Hematology Analyzer
LABAS F9000
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric leukemia ensures better outcomes for children with this common cancer (Photo courtesy of Qlucore)

RNA-Seq Based Diagnostic Test Enhances Diagnostic Accuracy of Pediatric Leukemia

A new unique test is set to reshape the way Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BCP-ALL) samples can be analyzed. Qlucore (Lund, Sweden) has launched the first CE-marked RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.