Innovative Use of Cultured Nerve Tissue in ALS Research

Recent advancements in bioengineering have enabled scientists to develop 3D-printed models resembling human nerve tissue, known as motor neuron organoids. These models are pivotal for studying Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motor neurons that control muscle movements. In ALS, the destruction of these nerve cells leads to muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately, a decline in breathing ability, with survival typically around four years post-diagnosis. Currently, no cure exists, although some medications can slow the disease's progression.

A groundbreaking study published in the International Journal of Bioprinting illustrates how researchers can generate these motor neuron organoids using 3D bioprinting technology. By harnessing human stem cells derived from skin tissue and programming them into motor neuron progenitors, scientists can produce immature nerve cells capable of maturing into fully functional motor neurons within these 3D structures. The cells are embedded in soft gelatin-based bioinks and layered meticulously with a 3D printer, creating a three-dimensional tissue that enhances cell survival and promotes nerve fiber growth.

Innovations in this study included the use of a softer, shape-retaining bioink and mesoporous silica particles infused with growth factors, which facilitated neurite extension into the scaffolds—an improvement over previous attempts where nerve fibers only grew on the surface. These developments pave the way for personalized testing environments, allowing researchers to construct spinal cord-like tissues from a patient’s own skin cells. Such models can significantly accelerate the development of targeted therapies and improve our understanding of ALS pathology.

This approach not only offers a promising platform for drug testing but also brings us closer to reproducing complex nerve structures in vitro, providing invaluable insights into neurodegenerative diseases. As research progresses, these bioprinted nerve tissue models could revolutionize the way we study and treat ALS in the future.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-cultured-nerve-tissue-als.html