Researchers at University of Galway Enhance Growth of Mini Brains

Scientists at the University of Galway have made significant advancements in the development of “mini brains,” or cerebral organoids, which could enhance research into neurological conditions such as strokes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. The research team, led by Dr. Mihai Lomora, focused on improving the growth conditions of these organoids to address the challenge of cell survival within them.

The study explored the formation of blood vessels in these small clumps of brain cells, which measure just a few millimeters in diameter. One of the main obstacles researchers face is that cells located in the centre of these organoids often die due to insufficient oxygen supply. Dr. Lomora noted that while the concept may sound “like science fiction,” it is increasingly becoming a reality as scientists around the world delve into creating these organoids.

Innovative Techniques to Support Cell Growth

The research team at CURAM, the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices at the University of Galway, utilized a soft, biologically compatible substance known as hydrogel to grow the mini brains. They introduced cells capable of forming blood vessels, resulting in larger organoids with reduced cell death rates. The researchers observed that the organoids exhibited behaviours akin to the protective blood-brain barrier, suggesting a promising direction for studying brain-related diseases.

“When we started the project, we could see in the scientific literature that cerebral organoids growing in the lab tended to have a vasculature or blood vessels that were superficial only,” Dr. Lomora explained. “That meant that the blood vessels didn’t penetrate to reach the deeper cells in the organoid, leading to oxygen deprivation and subsequent cell death.”

Dr. Lomora, who is also a biomaterials chemistry lecturer and leads the CerebroMachines Lab at the University of Galway, emphasized that while these clumps of cells do not equate to growing a full brain, they serve as valuable mini-models for understanding brain function. “We want it to be as physiologically relevant as possible. We believe that by increasing the vasculature, we have taken steps to making the organoids more physiologically relevant.”

Significant Findings and Future Implications

In their pursuit to enhance oxygen and nutrient supply to deeper cells, the researchers adapted existing techniques for growing mini brains. By experimenting with various environments and timing for blood vessel formation, they achieved a remarkable reduction in cell death—by three times compared to previous methods.

“We were fascinated to see that the vasculature really was able to protrude towards the interior of the organoids, which is quite a significant advancement,” Dr. Lomora remarked. “We also noted that the cells involved in forming some of those blood vessels originated from the organoid itself. It’s at the edge of the state of the art for now.”

The findings from this groundbreaking research have been published in the Advanced Science journal. The project involved a multidisciplinary team from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, and the University of Edinburgh, underscoring the collaborative efforts in advancing this innovative field of study.

As research continues to evolve, the enhanced understanding of cerebral organoids could pave the way for new insights into complex brain diseases, potentially transforming treatment approaches in the future.