Hesperos and UCF Develop iPSC Model to Advance Treatment of Peripheral Nerve Diseases
Friday, October 25, 2024
Hesperos has reported a significant advancement in developing a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived model of peripheral myelination.
The model uses iPSC-derived Schwann cells and motoneurons in a serum-free medium to mimic peripheral nerve myelination. The team observed key features of this process, such as the formation of myelin segments and nodes of Ranvier, both crucial for the efficient transmission of nerve impulses.
This new model, created in collaboration with the University of Central Florida (UCF) and published in ACS Biomaterials, offers a more accurate approach to studying rare peripheral nervous system diseases, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), which currently lack effective treatments.
Traditional animal and in vitro models have previously struggled to accurately reflect the complexities of these human nervous system conditions.
Advanced 3D confocal microscopy further confirmed the model’s accuracy, with g-ratio measurements closely aligning with those found in vivo, indicating robust myelin development.
The development is in line with the objectives of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, which promotes alternatives to animal testing to support more relevant, human-specific research methods.
This model represents a promising tool for exploring therapies targeting disorders of the peripheral nervous system that remain difficult to treat.
Source: businesswire.com
