The Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM) is taking a groundbreaking approach in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases by experimenting with live human brain tissue. Unlike traditional research, which heavily relies on animal models, this study uses brain cell samples donated by patients undergoing surgery. The team has recently secured 120 million forints in funding to further their work, which could lead to the development of more effective treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
With increasing life expectancy, the prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders continues to rise. Experts predict that within 25 years, these diseases could become the leading cause of death in the developed world. However, studying such conditions remains a challenge, as current research depends largely on rodents, which do not perfectly replicate human neurological processes.
‘Animal studies have provided invaluable insights, but mice and rats are far from perfect models for understanding the complexities of the human brain,’ the HCEMM explained in a statement. To overcome these limitations, the research team, led by Lamsa Karri, is working with healthy brain tissue extracted during medical procedures. These samples allow scientists to study unique characteristics of the human nervous system that cannot be observed in animal models.
A key aspect of the research focuses on understanding how genes regulate neural activity. By analysing the way genes ‘switch on’ and ‘off’ during brain cell function, researchers aim to uncover fundamental differences between human and rodent neurons. Preliminary findings suggest that human neurons have nearly twice as many active genes as their rat counterparts, highlighting crucial distinctions that could impact drug development.
The HCEMM team is conducting this research in collaboration with GeneCore, a genomics service centre led by Vladimir Benes from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). Their joint efforts could pave the way for new treatments that would not have been possible through animal-based research alone. By using human brain cells, they hope to develop breakthrough therapies that more accurately target neurodegenerative diseases, offering hope for millions affected worldwide.
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