Su-Chun Zhang from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a pioneer in the processing of stem cells into neurons, together with other scientists developed specialized nerve cells that produce serotonin (a neurotransmitter in the brain). The study was published in the Nature Biotechnology.
Serotonin is an organic chemical compound created from tryptophan. It is one of the most important neurotransmitters of the central nervous system. It is mainly produced in the raphe nuclei of the hindbrain. It plays a key role in regulating the brain and affects cognitive functions such as emotions, sleep, anxiety, appetite and many more. Abnormalities in the serotonin neurotransmission may cause various mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
The study was conducted on two types of human stem cells: the first type derived from embryos, and the second type derived from adult cells. Due to the fact that the serotonin-producing neurons are formed before birth, the researchers had to recreate the same chemical environment like the one that accompanies the brain in its developing process during fetal life. Researchers directed growth of stem cells in the direction of this particular line. They used a specially designed sequence of molecules with specific concentrations. It was particularly difficult because the conditions necessary for the development of serotonin-producing neurons are scarce and there is only one small spot during the development of the brain. Created cells not only showed an expected response to electrical stimulation but were also able to produce serotonin. In order to confirm that the newly formed neurons are working properly the scientists have used FDA-approved antidepressants and anxiolytics, which caused an increase in the concentration of serotonin in the brain.
Although the cells produced from stem cells are commonly used for testing drugs for toxicity, Zhang wants to extend the studies with the usage of serotonergic neurons. The scientists believe that the neurons may be useful in developing new and much more effective drugs, particularly those affecting the higher activity in the brain, which is impossible with the use of animal models. This research may be useful in the creation of other methods for treating psychiatric disorders such as depression for which there is a variable response to drugs. Identification of individual differences can be a step closer towards personalized medicine.
Written by: Klaudia Zyzak, Agata Zwierz, Katarzyna Gałaszkiewicz
Source:
1. Jianfeng Lu, Xuefei Zhong, Huisheng Liu et al.: Generation of serotonin neurons from human pluripotent stem cells, Nature Biotechnology 2015, published online 14 December 2015, DOI:10.1038/nbt.3435
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