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Scientists Develop First Ever 'Chimeroids' with Cells from Multiple Donors to Study Drug Effects

apexlifehub.com 2 days ago

In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists have successfully created 3D brain organoids, known as 'Chimeroids', by combining cells from multiple individuals. These complex systems, containing cells from up to five people, offer a genetically diverse platform for studying the impact of drugs on different individuals. Unlocking Genetic Diversity Organoids, which mimic the 3D structure of human organs, have been previously developed using human stem cells and fetal brain tissue. However, combining cells from various donors to create chimeric organoids has presented a significant challenge until now. A New Era of Research These chimeric organoids provide a more accurate representation of human genetic diversity, making them valuable tools for studying individual responses to drugs. The intricate nature of the human cortex, particularly distinct from that of animals, highlights the limitations of existing models in understanding human brain complexities. Powerful Insights Through the innovative approach of culturing organoids from separate stem cell lines and then combining them into chimeroids, researchers have paved the way for studying drug effects on a more diverse genetic background. Experimental results using ethanol and valproic acid reveal varying responses among cells from different donors, emphasizing the need to further explore the influence of genetic makeup on drug reactions. Future Possibilities The potential applications of chimeroids extend to predicting individual responses to new therapeutics, offering personalized insights before clinical trials. Dr. Paola Arlotta envisions a future where chimeroids serve as avatars for assessing individual drug responses. Overall, this groundbreaking study published in Nature marks a significant milestone in advancing research on drug effects using chimeric organoids.

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