Scientists grow mini-brains in the lab; may lead to cure for ageing-related brain diseases

A team of scientists has, for the first time, successfully grown mini-brains in the lab which would help develop treatments and conduct other studies into Parkinson's Disease (PD) and ageing-related brain diseases.

The mini mid-brain versions are 3D miniature tissues that are grown in the laboratory and pose some properties of specific parts of the human brains.

PD is caused by the impaired production of a substance called neuromelanin, which leads to degenerative condition of patients which includes tremors as also impaired motor skills.

Scientists grew pieces of tissue known as brain organoids using stem cells. The organoids measuring about 2 to 3 mm in length, contain the necessary hallmarks of the human midbrain, which are dopaminergic neurons and neuromelanin.

Considering one of the biggest challenges researchers faced in PD research was the lack of accessibility to the human brains, a significant step forward, had been achieved said professor Ng Huck Hui from The Agency for Science, Technology and Research's Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS).

The mid-brain organoids displayed great potential in the replacement of the brains of animals which were currently used in research. The midbrains in culture could now be used to advance our understanding and future studies for the disease, and perhaps even other related diseases, he added in a statement.

The human mid-brain, which was the information superhighway, controlled auditory, eye movements, vision and body movements, scientists said.

It contained special dopaminergic neurons that produced dopamine - which carried out significant roles in executive functions, motor control, motivation, reinforcement, and reward, they added.

High levels of dopamine elevated motor activity and impulsive behaviour, whereas low levels of dopamine led to slowed reactions and disorders like Parkinson's Disease (PD), which was characterised by stiffness and difficulties in initiating movements.

"It is remarkable that our mid-brain organoids mimic human mid-brain development. The cells divide, cluster together in layers, and become electrically and chemically active in three-dimensional environment like our brain," said Shawn Je assistant professor at Duke-NUS Medical School, IANS reported.

"Now we can really test how these mini brains react to existing or newly developed drugs before treating patients, which will be a game changer for drug development," said Je.