Researchers Create Stem Cell-Derived, In Vitro Alzheimer’s Models

Led by researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine scientists have, for the first time, created stem cell-derived, in vitro models of sporadic and hereditary Alzheimer’s disease (AD). They did so using induced pluripotent stem cells from patients suffering from the neurodegenerative disorder.

“Creating highly purified and functional human Alzheimer’s neurons in a dish – this has never been done before,” says the study’s senior author, Lawrence Goldstein, PhD, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine professor, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and director of the UC San Diego Stem Cell Program. “It’s a first step. These aren’t perfect models. They’re proof of concept. But now we know how to make them. It requires extraordinary care and diligence, really rigorous quality controls to induce consistent behavior, but we can do it.” For more information, click here to read the full release.