Researchers at Northwestern University have developed an advanced human spinal cord organoid capable of realistically modeling traumatic spinal cord injury, marking a major step forward in regenerative medicine. Built from induced pluripotent stem cells, the mini spinal cords replicate key features of real injuries, including cell death, inflammation, and glial scar formation. Notably, the team incorporated microglia – immune cells of the central nervous system – creating a more accurate representation of post-injury inflammatory responses.
Using this model, scientists tested an experimental treatment known as “dancing molecules,” a class of supramolecular therapeutic peptides designed to stimulate tissue repair through dynamic molecular motion. After treatment, damaged organoids showed significant neurite regrowth and a marked reduction in scar tissue. These results mirror previous animal studies in which a single injection restored mobility in paralyzed mice.
Recently granted Orphan Drug Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the therapy shows potential for future human application. Published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, the study highlights how human organoids can accelerate translational research and bridge the gap between animal models and clinical trials.
Research article:
- Injury and therapy in a human spinal cord organoid
- Lab grown human spinal cord heals after injury in major breakthrough
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