Ohio State University researcher have succeeded in growing a human brain which has up to 99 genes similar, as found in a fetal brain. The study of this organoid would give us insight as to how genes and environmental affect the brain and its development, and the effect drugs have on it. This method would prove to be cheaper and more convenient.

This brain, about the size of a pencil eraser, has been made from pluripotent cells that can form just any organ of the human body. Researchers have aimed to produce, and succeeded, in making many organs from totipotent skin cells in the past, but the human brain with its complex array of nerves, is the “holy grail”, as described by Rene Anand, the chemist and neuroscientist behind the work.
Using specific cellular triggers, same as in a human fetus, the cells were arranged into a structure closely resembling a fetus brain at 5 weeks. With further maturity, it developed into a 12-week fetus brain, which had 99 genes matching. The brain also contained major parts such as a retina, a spinal cord, and signaling circuitry etc.
Such a sophisticated structure could help use study genetic and environmental factors which result in autism and Alzheimer’s.
“In central nervous system diseases, this will enable studies of either underlying genetic susceptibility or purely environmental influences, or a combination,” Anand said. “Genomic science infers there are up to 600 genes that give rise to autism, but we are stuck there.” Mathematical calculations aren’t enough to understand what causes autism, he added—“You need an experimental system – you need a human brain.”

A lab-brain grown brain has its limitations as it lacks a blood vessels and veins found in abundance in a human brain. But the optimists speculate that in 16-20 weeks, the development would be more, and the brain would maybe even fill up for the lacking gene.

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Author:Technology Blog