Scientists at Johns Hopkins University cultivate novel, whole-brain-like organoids
The Johns Hopkins University has developed a groundbreaking multi-region brain organoid (MRBO), providing a unique platform for studying whole-brain development and potential drug testing. This advancement, published in Advanced Science, could revolutionise research into neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism [1][2][3].
The MRBO, a miniaturised brain model, integrates multiple interconnected brain regions, rudimentary blood vessels, and an early blood-brain barrier. This holistic approach offers a more accurate representation of brain development and function compared to previous single-region organoids [1][2].
One of the key advantages of the MRBO is its ability to allow researchers to observe neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders developing in real time. This capability is essential as such disorders arise from complex interactions across multiple brain regions [3].
Another benefit is the improved modelling of disorders like autism and schizophrenia. The organoids can mimic early fetal brain development and reflect the functioning of different brain areas acting in concert. This enhanced understanding can help researchers determine how abnormal development in specific brain regions contributes to these conditions [1][3].
The MRBO also offers a platform for testing potential drugs or therapeutic interventions more quickly and efficiently. Researchers can tailor treatments personalised to individual patients by observing how their specific neural cells respond [3].
Moreover, the MRBO could facilitate earlier diagnosis and lead to better preventive measures. By revealing the mechanisms underlying the origins of neuropsychiatric disorders, the MRBO could pave the way for more effective prevention strategies [4].
The MRBO bypasses the need for animal models or donated human organs, which are ethically and practically challenging. As the tissues began to grow together, they started producing electrical activity and responding as a network. This human-specific insight opens up new possibilities for studying schizophrenia, autism, and other neurological diseases that affect the whole brain [2][3].
The lead author of the study, Annie Kathuria, an assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, emphasised the importance of studying models with human cells to understand neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. The creation of the MRBO marks one of the first times scientists have been able to generate a whole-brain organoid with tissues from each region of the brain connected and acting in concert [1][3].
The MRBO, weighing in at 6 million to 7 million neurons compared with tens of billions in adult brains, retains a broad range of types of neuronal cells, with characteristics resembling a brain in a 40-day-old human fetus [1].
Thomas Hartung, an expert from Hopkins, discussed an announcement by the NIH that it will no longer consider grant proposals that do not include alternative testing models. The use of whole-brain organoids to test experimental drugs may potentially lead to the tailoring of therapies for individual patients, improving the rate of clinical trial success for neuropsychiatric drugs [2].
In summary, the MRBO developed at Johns Hopkins is a next-generation brain model that integrates multiple brain regions and vascular features, enabling comprehensive and dynamic studies of neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism. It holds promise for advancing understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these complex conditions [1][3][4].
[1] Kathuria, A., et al. (2021). "A multi-region brain organoid model of human brain development." Advanced Science. [2] Johns Hopkins University. (2021, May 12). "Researchers create first-of-its-kind miniature human brain organoid that mimics whole-brain development." ScienceDaily. [3] Johns Hopkins University. (2021, May 12). "New miniature human brain organoid could revolutionize research into autism and other neuropsychiatric disorders." EurekAlert! [4] Johns Hopkins University. (2021, May 12). "New miniature human brain organoid could revolutionize research into autism and other neuropsychiatric disorders." Medical Xpress.
- The MRBO, a product of Johns Hopkins University's engineering and research efforts, is a groundbreaking technology that integrates multiple brain regions, setting a new standard in the study of brain development and potential drug testing, particularly for neuropsychiatric disorders like autism.
- This technology, a miniaturised brain model, offers a more accurate representation of brain development and function compared to previous single-region organoids, due to its rudimentary blood vessels and an early blood-brain barrier.
- One of the key advantages of the MRBO is its ability to allow researchers to observe neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders developing in real time, providing essential insights into these complex conditions.
- The technology also offers a platform for testing potential drugs or therapeutic interventions more quickly and efficiently, with the potential to tailor treatments personalised to individual patients by observing how their specific neural cells respond.
