Stanford researchers find human brain develops from two distinct cell lineages
Stanford scientists report that the front and back of the human brain originate from separate embryonic cell groups, a discovery that could aid the production of specific neurons for disease research.
Researchers at Stanford University have identified that the human brain forms from two independent cellular lineages that later merge, challenging the long-standing view of a single developmental origin. The team traced the divergence to gastrulation, observing that one group of cells is programmed exclusively for the forebrain while another forms the hindbrain, each with distinct genetic packaging.
"Having the brain as one organ would probably be more efficient, but we rely on this primordial way to make the brain as two separate pieces," said Dr. Kyle Loh, associate professor of developmental biology at Stanford.
The study notes that similar dual-system organization appears in acorn worms, suggesting the arrangement dates back at least 500 million years. Using the new understanding of hindbrain development, the researchers succeeded in converting human stem cells into functional hindbrain motor neurons in vitro for the first time.
"Our ability to create large numbers of human hindbrain motor neurons in a petri dish from stem cells offers a new approach to model these diseases," said senior author Jokhai.
The ability to generate these neurons is expected to accelerate research into neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy, which target motor neurons in the lower brain.