Scientists create 3D models of the brain in drug research into MS

Scientists at Edinburgh University have created tiny 3D models of the brain that could help speed up drug research for neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

The millimetre-wide models will be used to study myelin, an insulating substance that helps nerve cells communicate with each other.

Scientists at Edinburgh University’s Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic and the Euan Macdonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research developed their human myelin model using skin samples donated by volunteers.

They say the models are the most natural representation of human myelination developed in a laboratory, and they are a promising platform for the study of neurological diseases and for testing drugs for conditions linked to myelin loss, including MS.

Damaged myelin underlies a number of neurological conditions including MS – an incurable disease affecting more than 100,000 people in the UK – and leads to a wide range of symptoms, including mobility issues, fatigue and vision problems.

Lead researcher, Dr Owen Gwydion Jame s, inset, said: “Demyelinating disorders have a profound effect on the quality of life for patients. "Now we have the capability of studying human myelination experimentally, a major goal is to identify drugs that can promote myelination.

"We believe that this new approach could be a huge boost to the toolbox.”