Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have achieved a groundbreaking feat in the field of neuroscience by creating functional 3D-printed brain tissue that mimics the development and connectivity of real human brain tissue. This remarkable accomplishment has the potential to revolutionize the study of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, offering new insights into the communication between brain cells and other parts of the brain.
The team, led by neuroscientist Su-Chun Zhang, believes that their new method can be easily adopted by many labs, as it does not require specialized bio-printing equipment. Moreover, the tissue can be maintained in a healthy state and studied using standard laboratory equipment like microscopes. This accessibility makes it a valuable tool for researchers in various fields, including stem cell biology and the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
The technique used by the researchers is known as 3D bioprinting, which involves layering materials, cells, and other components to create living structures. While this technology has shown promise in replicating and even replacing tissues, printing functional human brain tissue has proven to be a significant challenge. Previous attempts lacked proper connections between cells and failed to maintain the tissue structure while allowing neurons to mature.
To overcome these obstacles, Zhang’s team employed a horizontal layering approach using induced pluripotent stem cells derived from neurons. These cells were placed in a softer ‘bio-ink’ gel, which allowed them to form brain-like networks within and between layers. The printed tissue successfully exhibited communication between neurons, signal transmission, neurotransmitter usage, and the formation of networks with supporting cells.
Zhang emphasizes that studying individual components of the brain in isolation overlooks the crucial aspect of how the brain functions as a network. By printing brain tissue that replicates this network structure, researchers can gain a clearer understanding of cell interactions and their implications for brain function.
In their experiments, the team focused on printing the cerebral cortex and the striatum, two regions of the brain that are connected by axons. They discovered that the axons projected in the printed brain tissue mirrored the pattern seen in the human brain, where cortical neurons project axons to the striatum. This level of precision in 3D printing allows for control over cell types and arrangements, setting it apart from other brain research techniques like brain organoids.
While the current prototype lacks the ability to control the direction of mature neurons and does not fully replicate the natural structure of brain organoids, Zhang and his colleagues believe that it complements organoids by offering a different approach to studying the brain under various conditions. The team envisions further improvements to their process, aiming to create more specific brain tissues with guideable cells.
The implications of this research are vast, as it opens up new avenues for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying brain development, human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative disorders. By providing a reliable model of living human neural tissues, this breakthrough could pave the way for significant advancements in our understanding and treatment of neurological disorders.
The study detailing this groundbreaking achievement has been published in Cell Stem Cell, marking a significant milestone in the field of neuroscience. With the potential to reshape our approach to studying the human brain, this functional 3D-printed brain tissue represents a major leap forward in our quest to unlock the mysteries of neurological disorders and ultimately improve patient outcomes.