Growing Neurons: Studying What Goes Wrong

摘要

The cellular and genetic changes that drive most brain disorders aren't well known. But new technologies are making it possible to understand these changes, which could help scientists identify new drugs or other treatments. For example, scientists can grow a patient's neurons in a petri dish. All the scientists need to begin are skin cells or another easily accessed type of cell; these cells are transformed first into stem cells and then into neurons. The neurons in the dish can be examined for changes in appearance and function; Scientists can also test drugs on these neurons to see whether any compounds ameliorate the defects.