Brain analog with visual function grown from stem cells

A team of biologists led by Professor Jay Gopalakrishnan from the University of Düsseldorf conducted a

It turns out that miniature analogues of the brain grown from stem cells are able to form simple structures.Their peculiarity is that they react to the luminariesSuch organoids could be used in research aimed at improving scientists' understanding of the connection between the brain and the eyes.

This image shows a brain organoid with optical cups.
Elke Gabriel

In the course of the study, the scientists prepared a set of chemicals that activate genetic sequences responsible for transforming stem cells into "blanks" of nerve cells and eye cells .The biologists then treated stem cell cultures with these substances, which then grew for two months.

Signaling substances produced an effect - approximatelyafter a month, structures resembling the optic cups began to form on organelles resembling the brain. Then we saw the growth of structures similar to the primitive analogs of the eyes. They reacted to light and contained retinal cells and other specific cells.

Prof. Jay Gopalakrishnan of the University of Düsseldorf

In future studies, the researchers will develop strategies that will maintain the viability of such "eyes" over a long period of time, using them to investigate the mechanisms that cause retinal disease.

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