Researchers at the Princess Máxima Center and the Hubrecht Institute have made significant strides in the development of brain organoids that closely mimic the human cortex. These advanced organoids, known as Expanded Neuroepithelium Organoids (ENOs), offer a more accurate representation of the brain’s development and cellular characteristics compared to previous models. The potential applications of these novel organoids extend to modeling pediatric brain tumors, particularly cortical gliomas, which originate from the brain’s outer layer.
Current Survival Rates and the Need for Research
Currently, only about six out of ten children diagnosed with a malignant tumor of the central nervous system survive beyond five years. To improve these survival rates, researchers seek a deeper understanding of how brain tumors develop and progress, hoping to identify potential targets for treatment.
Enhanced Organoid Models
Brain organoids, 3D structures grown in the lab to mimic the brain and brain tumors, serve as invaluable tools for studying brain development and diseases. In their recent study, scientists from the Princess Máxima Center and the Hubrecht Institute have developed a cortex organoid that more faithfully replicates the human brain.
Dr. Benedetta Artegiani and Delilah Hendriks led this groundbreaking research, which was published in Nature Communications. The new cortex organoid closely resembles the human brain in terms of shape, architectural organization, and cellular properties.
Recreating Human Brain Development
The human brain’s formation begins with the neural tube, a structure composed of neuroepithelium tissue. Over time, cells within this structure transform into various brain cell types. The challenge has been to create organoids with a single, self-organizing developing neuroepithelium, reducing variability and better replicating the brain’s cellular identities. The researchers successfully achieved this in their new organoid model.
Mimicking Human Brain Mechanisms
These newly developed mini-brains are referred to as Expanded Neuroepithelium Organoids (ENOs). To create them, the researchers made a crucial modification by introducing temporal gradients of molecules, particularly TGF-b, which play a pivotal role in instructing cells to acquire their identities. Surprisingly, this small alteration led to organoids that closely resemble the human brain in both shape and identity.
Future Directions and Pediatric Brain Tumor Research
These advanced ENOs hold promise for studying pediatric brain tumors that may arise from unusual or erroneous developmental processes. Moreover, the signaling molecule TGF-b, crucial in generating these organoids, is often altered in childhood brain tumors, suggesting a potential link between changes in brain development and cancer onset in young children. This research opens the door to creating increasingly accurate models for studying pediatric brain cancer.
Dr. Artegiani emphasizes the significance of these findings, stating, “Our research marks an essential step in creating proper models to study pediatric brain cancer. Small alterations during development can have significant effects on how pediatric brain tumors develop.”
Reference:
“Temporal morphogen gradient-driven neural induction shapes single 3 expanded neuroepithelium brain organoids with enhanced cortical identity,” Nature Communications, 28 November 2023, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43141-1.
This study received partial funding from a NWO open competition M-grant.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Brain Organoids
What are ENOs, and how do they relate to pediatric brain tumors?
Expanded Neuroepithelium Organoids (ENOs) are advanced brain organoids that closely resemble the human cortex. They offer a more accurate model for studying brain development and diseases. In this context, ENOs provide a basis for modeling pediatric brain tumors, specifically cortical gliomas.
Why is it essential to study pediatric brain tumors?
Understanding pediatric brain tumors is crucial because survival rates for children diagnosed with central nervous system tumors are relatively low. In this research, scientists aim to gain insights into how these tumors develop and progress, potentially identifying targets for improved treatments.
What distinguishes the new cortex organoid model from previous ones?
The new cortex organoid model developed in this study closely replicates the human brain in terms of shape, architectural organization, and cellular properties. This represents a significant advancement in the field of brain organoid research.
How were these advanced ENOs created?
Researchers introduced temporal gradients of molecules, particularly TGF-b, to instruct cells to acquire their identities gradually. This small but crucial modification led to the development of organoids that closely resemble the human brain in shape and identity.
What implications do these findings have for pediatric brain tumor research?
These advanced ENOs hold promise for studying pediatric brain tumors that may arise from unusual developmental processes. Additionally, the study suggests a potential link between changes in brain development and cancer onset in young children. The research paves the way for creating more accurate models to study pediatric brain cancer.
How can these findings benefit the field of cancer research?
These findings offer new avenues for exploring the role of TGF-b signaling in pediatric brain tumors. Understanding how small alterations during development can impact tumor development is a crucial step toward improving treatments for pediatric brain cancer.
3 comments
Impressive ENOs advancements, finally closer 2 real brain. Big step 4 pediatric brain tumor research!
cortex orgnoids, TGF-b, & kid brain tumors – fascinating! Sci’s the best!
great study shows enos make brain organs more like brains! hope helps kid cancer. wow, tiny change = big diff!