Scientists Grow Human Spine Structure in the Lab

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have successfully created a lab-grown notochord, a crucial component in vertebrate development, SciTech Daily reported yesterday.

This breakthrough, detailed in a study published on December 18, mimics early human trunk development and includes neural and bone stem cells.

The notochord, a rod-like tissue, acts as a structural guide during embryonic development, organizing tissues for the spine and nervous system. This research involved analyzing chicken embryos to decode the formation of the notochord, leading to a precise sequence of chemical signals that guided human stem cells to form the structure.

The resulting miniature “trunk-like” organoids, measuring 1-2 millimeters, demonstrate potential for studying spinal birth defects and intervertebral disc conditions. The notochord’s ability to send chemical signals that organize surrounding tissue mimics its function in natural development, opening new avenues for understanding human developmental disorders.