Lab-Grown Human Brain Cells Lived for Seven Years
Scientists at Harvard University have kept brain organoids developed in the laboratory alive for nearly seven years.
Researchers at Harvard University have succeeded in having human brain organoids developed in a laboratory environment continue their development for one of the longest durations recorded to date.
Lifespan of Brain Organoids
According to the research published in the journal Nature, a portion of the peppercorn-sized cell clusters were monitored for more than five years.
Paola Arlotta, the lead author of the study, publicly announced that some cells maintained their life and development for about seven years.
Similarities to the Human Brain
Brain organoids are known as three-dimensional cell clusters that mimic certain structural and functional characteristics of the human brain.
The researchers stated that while observing the development process of the cells, they detected remarkable similarities with cells in the human brain.
DNA Methylation and Age Clock
To examine this process, scientists used the method of DNA methylation, which is based on the addition of chemical tags to DNA molecules.
Paola Arlotta from the Harvard Stem Cell Institute stated that this data established a reliable age clock in the organoids.
Behaviors of Cells at Different Ages
The study examined in detail the behavior of thirty-four organoids of varying ages ranging from six months to five years.
In the experiment, it was observed that younger cells continued their normal development, while older cells rapidly advanced to an advanced stage in the development process.
Living Without a Vascular System
Brain organoids can generally survive in a laboratory environment for less than two years.
Because they are grown outside the body, the absence of a natural vascular system makes it difficult for cells to access oxygen and nutrients.
Use in Researching Diseases
Organoids are widely used in the scientific world to examine the development of diseases and test new treatment methods.
U.S. researchers utilize brain organoids particularly to understand the progression of Alzheimer's disease.