Scientists succeed in culturing mature neurons in laboratories to study neurodegenerative diseases

Scientists from Instituto de Bioingeniería de Cataluña (IBEC) and Universidad de Barcelona (UB) have succeeded in creating the first highly mature neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using a synthetic material, opening up new opportunities for medical research and potential therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic injuries.

The researchers believe that by advancing the age of neurons in cell cultures, experiments can be improved to better understand late-onset diseases. “Having mature neurons in the laboratory is essential to advance the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and in the development of effective and safe therapies”, comments one of the authors, Alberto Ortega, Ramón y Cajal researcher at the UB.

The results are published in the journal Cell Stem Cell.

SOURCE: madri+d