Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) on a chip. This innovative model uses stem cells derived from ALS patients. It allows for the study of the disease in a controlled environment.
The team, led by Dr. Clive Svendsen, reprogrammed blood cells from ALS patients into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These iPSCs were then differentiated into motor neurons. These neurons were seeded in the upper channels of micro-designed chips.
The researchers observed distinct differences in motor neurons from ALS patients compared to healthy individuals. A key finding is the altered glutamate signaling, an excitatory neurotransmitter. Excessive glutamate release is considered a possible cause of ALS.
These advanced models offer a deeper understanding of the early stages of ALS. Researchers hope to apply drugs to the chip's blood vessel side to simulate clinical trials. These experiments are already underway.
This advancement complements other recent ALS research efforts. In November 2024, Answer ALS and Cedars-Sinai announced the creation of the largest database of stem cells and biological data from ALS patients. This collaboration provides an unprecedented resource for researchers worldwide.