He Barcelonaßeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), our research center, is creating brain organoids, also known as “minibrains”, from stem cells that make it possible to simulate the development of Alzheimer's disease and explore in detail the factors that contribute to its onset and progression.

These models in vitro, that mimic the function of a real brain, are three-dimensional cell cultures with a structure similar to that of the human brain that are very useful for understanding complex diseases. According to the Dr. Laura Garcia Gonzalez, postdoctoral researcher in the BBRC Genomics Research Group and project leader, “Brain organoids represent a crucial tool for the study of complex human diseases such as Alzheimer's, they are a very powerful predictive tool that contributes to analyzing the different genetic factors in the development of the disease.”

This project, started in 2022, allows the generation of stem cells from specialized cells obtained from blood samples of participants in our studies. Through a process of 'cellular reprogramming', the identity of the extracted cells is erased to revert them to stem cells. From here, organoids are generated, with which the development of Alzheimer's can be exhaustively explored. without the need to resort to animal testing. “By using brain organoids, we will be able to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the early stages of Alzheimer's, bringing us ever closer to preventing, slowing down or even stopping the progression of the disease.”, concludes the Dr. Laura Garcia.

New lines of research based on brain organoids

In addition to the creation of these miniature brains to better understand and comprehend Alzheimer's disease, this project also includes the Creation of a stem cell bank which will serve as a screening platform for new drug treatments, an essential step in the search for effective therapies.

Thanks to this study, new lines of research have been opened, such as Study of the impact of COVID-19 on the brain of people with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's. The project explores the associations between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and neurodegeneration, with the aim of discovering how the infection affects people in different genetic contexts.

'Mini brains to think big'

To contribute to this BBRC study, the Foundation is launching a campaign that, until the month of December, aims to raise €250,000 to support this project that helps to better understand Alzheimer's disease. The campaign is signed by the digital agencies ES3 and BUM and the production company Bloodymary Films.

More information on the website: www.minicerebrosparapensarengrande.org