Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Mice Developed With Human Brain Cells Could Aid Neurological Disorder Research

Scientists created mice with brains composed of approximately 50% human neurons. These 'xenocortical' mice, developed by transplanting lab-grown human brain organoids into genetically engineered rodents, offer a novel model for studying complex neurological conditions.

Researchers modified mice to lack a developing cortex and hippocampus. Human neurons, grown into organoids, were transplanted into these mice, allowing human cells to occupy most brain space.

Xenocortical mice showed successful integration of human brain tissue, with over 90% of the cortex being human-derived within three months. They performed similarly to control groups in behavioral tests.

This model could advance the study of diseases like frontotemporal dementia, as the human tissue developed specialized von Economo neurons, affected in this condition.

The xenocortical mice could also model cerebral palsy. When exposed to low oxygen, these mice exhibited motor coordination issues similar to human patients.

Human brain diseases are challenging to study due to complexity and limited tissue access. Organoids and xenocortical mice provide more accessible research models.

The development of these 'mini-brains' raised ethical concerns. The team implemented precautions, including ethical reviews, to address these issues.

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