Neanderthal ‘minibrains’ grown in dish
Scientist are growing "minibrains" to study the influence of ancient DNA by engineering stem cells to include Neanderthal genes. The researchers involved are trying to "recreate" the Neanderthal mind. These organoids are not full, functioning brains, but are a step towards learning more about early brain structure and development. Muotri's group is focusing on a gene we discussed last week (briefly), NOVA1. It plays a role in early brain development and is linked to autism and schizophrenia. Pääbo's research group is also working on organoids and stresses that the organoids are an early developing research method, one that his lab group is also working on, and that the technique can produce mutations. It will be interesting to see how the organoid "minibrain" research develops and whether there will be viable functionally relevant information.
Kailie Batsche
Potluck for 10 March 2020
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