Scientists report the use a method of altering cells that will let the creation of neural networks with the same unique properties as human cells and a way of changing over time that is similar to how the human brain grows and changes. Cellular models made from human cells that have been modified could speed up the development of new treatments for neuropathies while cutting the number of animals used in the lab.
Cell reprogramming technology based on the creation of human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be used to get around the problems with study that uses animal models. This method can be used to make cell cultures from any type of adult human cell. It could be used in cell treatment and regenerative medicine.
As part of the study, the team used the method of monitoring intracellular calcium levels to compare the characteristics of neuronal cultures made from human cells using the cellular reprogramming technology with cultures made from mouse and human brains. This method measures neural activity indirectly. When a nerve impulse is sent from one neuron to another, calcium levels rise in a predictable way that can be measured by calcium monitors inside the neuron.
High-resolution, real-time tracking of neuronal activity can be done with this device as long as the culture is alive. The experimental plan is supported by the use of special tablets with attached tags that can be used to track the same group of cells. This method reduces the number of factors and gives more accurate and useful data for studying neuronal networks.
For the first time, the research group was able to study and tell the differences between the features of different produced brain circuits, which may look the same at first. From a practical point of view, the findings show that neurons that come from humans behave differently when it comes to making neural pathways. These things could help explain some of the problems with using animal models to study human brain diseases.
Cellular models made from human cells that have been changed are becoming an important step between study on animals and real-world uses. In initial research (2D cultures or organ-on-a-chip systems) and more recently in the development of 3D systems using biomaterials, organoids, or bioprinting, it is well known how to make these cellular models for studying diseases based on modified human cells.
In regenerative medicine, the use of this technology in cell treatment methods shows a lot of promise, and there are many clinical studies going on for different diseases (like type I diabetes, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, yellow spot degeneration, Parkinson’s disease, etc.). Setting up safe and reliable methods and making cell banks that can be used by different allogeneic populations are two of the most difficult tasks in this area of study.