Stem Cells’ Ability to Sense ATP Opens New Avenues for Neuronal Research
Researchers have made an exciting discovery in the field of neuronal research. They have found that stem cells have the ability to sense adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which could open new avenues for studying and understanding the human brain. ATP is an extracellular signaling molecule that plays a crucial role in the body’s pathophysiological processes, and it can be sensed by purinergic receptors, including the ionotropic receptor P2X7.
In this study, the researchers focused on neuronal stem cells (NSCs) that remain in adult neuronal tissues and contribute to physiological processes. They specifically looked at human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NSCs (iNSCs) and discovered that these cells possess ATP-sensing abilities primarily through the purinergic and ionotropic receptor P2X7.
To further explore the potential applications of this discovery, the researchers aimed to develop a machine learning-based screening system. Their goal was to identify food-derived substances that have effective doses on neuronal activity. They collected ATP-triggered calcium responses of iNSCs that were pretreated with various substances and doses. By using composite images of waveform patterns, the researchers developed a machine learning model with higher precision to identify subtle changes induced by the pretreated iNSCs.
The newly developed machine learning model showed promising results in accurately categorizing the different substances and doses into a positive group. This was achieved by identifying common mRNA expression changes associated with gene ontology signatures.
This research is significant because the brain is the most complex and flexible organ in the human body. The neural network within the fetal brain can be influenced by chemicals that pass through the placental barrier. Even after birth, the brain continues to grow and develop functional neural networks that process external stimulation as meaningful information. However, exposure to neurotoxic substances can negatively impact mental and motor development. Understanding the effective neuronal doses of substances, especially those found in food and drinks, is crucial for maintaining a balanced neural network and overall brain health.
Traditionally, neuronal effects have been tested in animals. However, there is a growing need for alternative methods that prioritize animal welfare. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer a valuable resource for toxicological screening systems due to their ability to generate different types of neuronal cells. Previous studies have demonstrated the usefulness of hiPSC-derived neurons in evaluating the neurotoxicity of specific substances. Still, no screening system has been able to dose-dependently segregate general food-containing substances into groups based on their neuronal effects.
The discovery that stem cells have the ability to sense ATP and the subsequent development of a machine learning model for screening neuronal effective substances is a significant step forward in neuroscience research. It provides a non-animal-based method for evaluating and predicting the neurotoxicity and neuronal effects of various compounds. By understanding the impact of different substances on neuronal activity, researchers can make informed decisions about the safety and efficacy of certain food and drinks, ultimately benefiting public health.
This study highlights the importance of continuing research in the field of neural stem cells and their role in maintaining and developing neural networks. By leveraging the power of machine learning and the capabilities of stem cells, scientists are paving the way for innovative approaches to studying and understanding the human brain.
