Scientists create human stem cell models with notochord for spinal and neural research

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute have created human stem cell models that include the notochord, a key tissue for spine and nervous system development. This is the first time notochord has been successfully integrated into lab-grown models. Using chemical signals based on studies of chicken, mouse, and monkey embryos, researchers guided human stem cells to form a notochord and a trunk-like structure. This model closely resembles early human development, which was not possible in previous attempts. The new model could help researchers study spine-related birth defects and conditions like intervertebral disc degeneration. It provides a better understanding of how the notochord influences tissue organization during development.