The search for effective treatments for mental disorders has been a constant challenge in the health field. However, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has emerged as a promising tool to revolutionize the research and treatment of these conditions. iPSCs, derived from somatic cells such as skin cells, are reprogrammed to a pluripotent state, allowing them to differentiate into several cell types, including neurons and glial cells. This unique capability offers a powerful in vitro model to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying complex neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
One of the main benefits of iPSCs is the possibility of creating “personalized” disease models, derived from cells from specific patients. This approach allows the investigation of unique genetic and phenotypic alterations associated with each individual, paving the way for the development of targeted and personalized therapies. In addition, iPSCs offer a valuable platform for screening new drugs and therapeutic compounds, accelerating the process of discovering more effective treatments.
Despite the enormous potential, the use of iPSCs in mental illness research still faces considerable challenges. The complexity of cell differentiation into specific cell types and the precise reproduction of the brain microenvironment in the laboratory require constant refinement of techniques and protocols. However, recent advances in the field demonstrate that iPSCs are poised to play a crucial role in understanding and treating mental disorders, opening the door to a new era of innovative and personalized therapies.
Reference :
RODRIGUES, FAA et al. Treatment of Mental Disorders with Stem Cells: A Promising Area in Evolution. COGNITIO-ESTUDOS, v. 7, n. 1, p. 268-276, 2024.
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB holds a post-PhD in Neuroscience and is an elected member of Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Honor Society (more than 200 members of Sigma Xi have received the Nobel Prize), as well as being a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, the Royal Society of Biology and The Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria, and the APA – American Philosophical Association in the United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology. He is also a Technologist in Anthropology and Philosophy, with several national and international degrees in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Dr. Fabiano is a member of prestigious high IQ societies, including Mensa International, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, and HELLIQ Society High IQ. He is the author of more than 300 scientific studies and 30 books. He is currently a visiting professor at PUCRS in Brazil, UNIFRANZ in Bolivia and Santander in Mexico. He also serves as Director of CPAH – Centro de Pesquisa e Análises Heráclito and is the creator of the GIP project, which estimates IQ through the analysis of genetic intelligence. Dr. Fabiano is also a registered journalist, having his name included in the book of records for achieving four records, one of which is for being the greatest creator of characters in the history of the press.