Compact ALS model exhibits human-like respiratory and fluid dynamics

Compact ALS model exhibits human-like respiratory and fluid dynamics

## Breakthrough 'Disease-on-a-Chip' Model for Sporadic ALS Offers New Insights into Early-Stage Disease

A groundbreaking new model, dubbed the 'disease-on-a-chip', has been developed to simulate the early stages of sporadic ALS, a condition that accounts for up to 95% of ALS cases. This innovative model, created by biotech company Emulate in collaboration with researchers at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, California, could lead to significant advancements in understanding and treating ALS [1].

### The Innovative 'Disease-on-a-Chip' Model

The 'disease-on-a-chip' model is based on the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are reprogrammed from blood cells of young-onset ALS patients and healthy donors. These stem cells are then transformed into spinal motor neurons, which are critical in ALS, and cells similar to the blood-brain barrier. The spinal neurons and blood-brain barrier cells are placed in separate chambers within the chip, separated by a porous membrane, and perfused with nutrient-rich fluid to mimic continuous blood flow [1, 3].

### Advantages Over Previous Models

Unlike previous models, the 'disease-on-a-chip' model offers a more realistic simulation of ALS by incorporating fluid flow and other dynamic processes, making it more similar to human tissue. This dynamic environment could potentially improve the accuracy of research findings [3]. Additionally, the utilization of iPSCs allows for the creation of patient-specific models, offering insights into the genetic and molecular factors contributing to ALS [1].

### Early Differences in ALS Neurons

The new model has already shown the ability to detect early differences in ALS neurons. A key finding is the abnormal glutamate signaling in the neurons, which aligns with long-standing theories about ALS suggesting that boosted glutamate signaling contributes to nerve damage [2]. This finding could help reveal how this mechanism manifests in the earliest stages of ALS.

### Potential Applications and Future Developments

The 'disease-on-a-chip' model offers a promising tool for testing new treatments by allowing researchers to study the disease in a controlled, human-like environment. This could lead to more effective therapeutic strategies for ALS [1]. The team is currently working towards maintaining the cells in the model for up to 100 days and incorporating other cell types, like muscle cells, to fully mimic ALS progression [1].

Idoko, the lead researcher on the project, suggests that the model could be useful for early drug screening, to study how a drug might cross a barrier similar to the blood-brain barrier, in preparation for animal or human studies [2]. The ultimate goal is to build models where more neurons die, so they can better map disease pathways and test treatments in a human-like setting [1].

In conclusion, the 'disease-on-a-chip' model represents a significant advancement in ALS research by providing a more accurate and dynamic simulation of the disease, which could lead to significant advancements in understanding and treating ALS. The model's ability to detect early differences in ALS neurons and its potential for drug screening make it an exciting development in the fight against this debilitating condition.

References: [1] Emulate. (2021). Emulate and Cedars-Sinai Announce First-of-its-Kind ALS Model Using Organs-on-Chips to Advance Research and Drug Development for ALS. Emulate. https://emulatebio.com/news/emulate-and-cedars-sinai-announce-first-of-its-kind-als-model-using-organs-on-chips-to-advance-research-and-drug-development-for-als/ [2] Science Daily. (2021). New ALS model could lead to new treatments for ALS. Science Daily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210322114407.htm [3] Emulate. (n.d.). Organ-on-a-chip. Emulate. https://emulatebio.com/technology/organ-on-a-chip/

1. This innovative 'disease-on-a-chip' model might revolutionize science, specifically medical-conditions like chronic diseases such as ALS.
2. The collaboration between biotech company Emulate and Cedars-Sinai researchers has led to the creation of a unique model that simulates early-stage sporadic ALS.
3. The 'disease-on-a-chip' model is built using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from young-onset ALS patients and healthy donors.
4. These reprogrammed stem cells are transformed into spinal motor neurons, crucial in ALS, and cells similar to the blood-brain barrier.
5. The spinal neurons and blood-brain barrier cells are housed in separate chambers within the chip, separated by a porous membrane, and perfused with nutrient-rich fluid.
6. Unlike previous models, this 'disease-on-a-chip' model offers a more realistic simulation due to its dynamic environment, improving research accuracy.
7. The utilization of iPSCs enables the creation of patient-specific models, offering insights into genetic and molecular factors contributing to ALS.
8. The new model has demonstrated the ability to detect early differences in ALS neurons, specifically abnormal glutamate signaling.
9. This finding could help explain how this mechanism manifests in the earliest stages of ALS, potentially leading to new treatments.
10. The 'disease-on-a-chip' model serves as a promising tool for testing new treatments by allowing researchers to study the disease in a controlled, human-like environment.
11. This could lead to more effective therapeutic strategies for ALS and other chronic diseases.
12. The team is working towards maintaining the cells in the model for up to 100 days and incorporating other cell types, like muscle cells, to fully mimic ALS progression.
13. Idoko, the lead researcher, suggests that the model could be useful for early drug screening, studying how a drug might cross a barrier similar to the blood-brain barrier.
14. The ultimate goal is to build models where more neurons die, allowing for better mapping of disease pathways and testing treatments in a human-like setting.
15. In health-and-wellness, breakthroughs like this 'disease-on-a-chip' model have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach and treat various medical-conditions, including autoimmune disorders and neurological disorders.
16. The technology behind this model can also be applied to other fields such as cardiovascular health, eye health, hearing, digestive health, and respiratory conditions.
17. As interior-design evolves, smart home devices like this 'disease-on-a-chip' model could become commonplace, integrating with lifestyle choices to promote healthy living.
18. In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, wearables and gadgets with health monitoring capabilities, like this 'disease-on-a-chip' model, could become a primary focus for companies.
19. Food-and-drink industries could benefit from this model, focusing on healthy-cooking recipes that cater to specific medical-conditions, like gluten-free options for those with digestive health issues.
20. Dining establishments could adapt to this shift by offering more diverse global-cuisines, accommodating various dietary restrictions and health needs.
21. As families adapt to these changes, home-and-garden spaces could be transformed to promote outdoor-living and sustainable-living, including areas for gardening, pet care, and deals-and-discounts on eco-friendly products for shopping.

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