Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have developed new 3D model technology that mimics vital aspects of the human nervous system.

According to the university team, the pioneering technology could help to accelerate drug research for neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

Created using stem cells from human skin samples, the millimetre-wide 3D models will be used to study myelin, an insulating substance that helps nerve cells communicate with each other.

According to the researchers, the models are the “most natural representation of human myelination developed in a lab” and are a promising platform for studying neurological diseases and for testing drugs for conditions linked to myelin loss.

Damaged myelin underlies several neurological conditions such as MS and leads to a wide range of symptoms, including mobility issues, fatigue and vision problems.

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh’s Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic and the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research developed their human myelin model using skin samples donated by volunteers.

Skin cells were reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells, which can be turned into other cell types – in this case – spinal cord cells.

These cells were then grown slowly into organoids – 3-D structures of cell bundles including neurons and distinctive brain cells known as oligodendrocytes that are key to creating myelin.

Crucially, the researchers were able to see myelin developing spontaneously around the axons between cells within the organoids.

By looking at the axons under a microscope, they could see that the myelin in this model was functioning as it would in a healthy brain or spinal cord.

The research team then created an organoid using stem cells from a patient with a rare gene mutation that affects myelination. The model showed that key aspects of this cell bundle were consistent with the disease.

Scientists can use these new models to compare the differences between the cells of healthy individuals and those with different neurological diseases and to test drugs of interest in human cells before using them in a full clinical trial with patients.

Recommended

• Work surfing app to help Edinburgh’s remote workers
• Comment | Improving supply chain security in a supplier dominated market
• Innovation fund to address ‘risk-averse’ culture in Scottish education

Commenting on the technology, the Lead Researcher at the Anne Rowling Clinic, Dr Owen Gwydion James, said: “Demyelinating disorders have a profound effect on the quality of life for patients. Now we have the capability of studying human myelination experimentally, a major goal is to identify drugs that can promote myelination.

“We believe that this new approach could be a huge boost to the toolbox that allows us to do this effectively.”

It is hoped that the model will “overcome the challenges” of studying the human brain and nervous system at the cellular level – a very difficult process due to problems accessing brain and spinal cord tissue without risk and a huge inconvenience to patients.