Researchers have identified a significant flaw in laboratory-grown brain models that could affect their usefulness in studying neurological disorders. Brain organoids, which are clusters of neurons cultured in labs to mimic real brain tissue, appear to develop at an abnormal pace compared to natural brains, according to findings published in Nature.
A team led by neuroscientist Simon Hippenmeyer compared the development of organoids grown from mouse stem cells with actual mouse brain development. While the organoids produced the correct types of cells, their developmental sequence was disrupted. Some cells differentiated into neurons prematurely while others continued multiplying beyond their normal timeframe. Additionally, certain cells that should have been capable of producing multiple neuron types became restricted to producing only one type.
The researchers attribute these timing problems to missing environmental factors present in living brains. Real brains contain blood vessels, structural support systems, and chemical signals that organoids lack. These external elements appear crucial for coordinating when neurons form and how they establish connections with one another. Without proper timing, neurons may struggle to find appropriate partners for forming functional circuits.
Scientists plan to investigate which specific signals are absent from organoids and whether these can be artificially replicated to improve laboratory models. Future experiments will also test whether organoids grown from human cells exhibit similar developmental irregularities, potentially refining how researchers study brain development and related disorders.
Originally reported by Livescience →
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