Mini Brain with Optic cups grown by Stem Cells

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Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are capable to produce brain organoids with optic cups (an eye structure), according to a recent study published in the 'Cell Stem Cell' journal on 17 th August, 2021. Spontaneous development of bilaterally symmetric optic cups demonstrated the intrinsic self patterning capability of iPSCs in a highly complex biological process.

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are the type of cells that are made in the laboratory by scientists. These cells are made from normal adult cells ( like skin , blood cells) and scientists reprogrammed these cells to make stem cells. iPSCs can develop into any cells type because they are pluripotent just like embryonic stem cells.

Organoids are tiny , multicellular, three dimensional tissue cultures that are derived from stem cells and can replicate organs. Growing organoids help scientists to observe or study the organ development and provide details about how organs can respond to specific drugs and treatments.

"Optics cups structures of brain organoid are light sensitive and organoids harbor cells types similar to those found in the human body are the highlights of our work to demonstrate the ability of brain organoid", said by Gopalakkrishnan (senior study author) of University Hospital Dusseldorf (Germany).

Gopalakkrishnan and his team turned the iPSCs into neural tissue. Optic cups formed by human brain organoids which appeared in 30 days and a visible  matured structure appeared within 50 days. This time period is similar to the retinal development in a human embryo and could be helpful for the development of certain types of neurobiology tests more efficient.

Scientists produced 314 brain organoids from four iPSCs donors. Their method reproducibility is good because 72% of organoids formed optic cups. Different types of retinal cells are present in the structures, forming neuronal electrical networks that respond to light. Lens and corneal tissues are also contained by optic cup organoids and showed retinal connections in the brain regions. " In the brains of mammals, nerve fibers of the retinal ganglion cells reach their connections with their brain targets, a feature never before shown in the in vitro system," Gopalakkrishnan said. 

Brain organoids can be helpful to study the development of brain and diseaes related to brain (Parkinson's disease, Autism). 

Organoids with optic cups would be helpful to study the brain - eye interaction, retinal diseases and may help to produce personalized therapies.

In future studies, they plan to find out how to keep optical cups working longer and use them to research  and investigate eye diseases. 

 

References:

Yasemin Saplakoglu, lab made mini brains grow their own set of eyes, live science, August, 2021

https://www.livescience.com/brain-organoid-optic-eyes.html

 

Elizabeth Gamillo, Mini brain grown from stem cells, developed light sensitive eye like features, SMITHSONIANMAG.COM, AUGUST 19, 2021

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mini-brains-grown-stem-cells-developed-eyes-can-sense-light-180978478/

 

By: Anam Siddiqui

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