A recent survey issued by the Brennjins Multi -Brains, UC Santa Cruz and UC San Francisco in the United States, challenges the traditional model of neuroscience, which considers nerve cells fixed and unchanged after their initial formation.
Brain cells responsible for transmission of signals (electrical and chemical impulses) by the body, neurons were so far permanent, meaning that each of its specified types, such as motor, sensory or internal neurons, had a specific cell identity and could not be changed.
but, According to the study published in IscianThe identity of the nervous sub -type can be more flexible than the imagined. By working with members, 3D models for brain tissue, the authors tested In the laboratory How neurons and adaptation develop.
The results not only revealed an unexpected type of plasticity in the destination, but also unpublished visions “on how different types of neurons affect the brain function, and can play a role in nervous growth disorders,” says the study.
For the first author of the article, Mohamed Mostaju Radji, researcher at the University of California Institute in Santa Cruz, the new teacher “It makes us rethink how to make and maintain neurons, and the effect of the environment in this process.”.
Create unpublished models for brain cells
The cerebral cortex contains two main types of neurons: 80 % inhibitors and 20 % inhibitors. Among these, 60 % positive for Palbumin (PV+), a protein associated with calcium and is associated with neurological processes that involve the transmission of superior information.
In addition to its role in the brain’s ability to adapt and change, the photovoltaic neurons are associated with disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. When they do not work properlyCognitive processes (attention, memory, logic) can undermine.
This makes these inhibitors very important to research the growth of brain and nervous and psychological diseases. For the Mostajo-Radji, the key to success in the unprecedented production of these laboratory neurons was the use of 3D structures, such as the real brain.
The development of the effective cell in 3D environments showed that these structures are necessary to repeat complex biological processes. In addition to questioning traditional methods, the research also opens the way to reproduce other non -viable models in flat cultures.
The production of these positive neurons in the bambuline laboratory allows the progress of diseases and the creation of more accurate models in the brain. “Now we can make a more realistic form of the brain.”Mostajo-Radji says in version.
Searching for new identity changes
But the tests did not stop there. To enhance their hypotheses, the researchers added another type of inhibitory neurons, Somostatin ShamanTo the 3D organic model. Under these circumstances, they noticed some somostatin neurons that turn into PV+.
Even without understanding the flour of the genetic and environmental conditions involved in the transition, the authors claim that the discovery themselves opens the possibility of changes in the nervous identity In the laboratory It can also occur in living cells in the brain.
When betting on this possibility, the Mosta-Radji suggests that “there may be a process Where this was already noticed in the brain, but it is neglected. It is an exciting window that we must explore, and some other laboratories have begun throughout the country to think the same way. “
Although they already have some evidence about genetic methods that may be at risk of moving between neuromuscular species, researchers also intend to deepen the investigation of exciting cells to understand their role in the fate of inhibitors.
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