Scientists have developed a multi-omics platform using organoids that promises to significantly advance the screening of drugs for stroke, among other neurological disorders. This innovative tool mimics the brain tissue of patients with genetic mutations associated with neurological conditions, allowing for detailed study and evaluation of drug responses outside the human body. Organoids, often described as "mini-brains," are three-dimensional tissue cultures derived from stem cells that can simulate specific aspects of brain function and structure. By introducing genetic modifications or simulating disease conditions in these organoids, researchers can gain deeper insights into the mechanisms of diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. This platform offers a high-throughput, detailed method for studying how drugs affect these specific neurological conditions, providing crucial data for drug development. One key advantage of using organoids is their ability to bypass the challenges of working with human brain tissue, which is often difficult to obtain. These models can accurately mimic the complex environment of the human brain, making them invaluable for understanding how drugs impact neural function and disease progression. For instance, researchers can introduce specific genetic changes or disease-related conditions into the organoids and then test how different drugs affect these modeled scenarios. In their study, researchers demonstrated how the multi-omics platform integrates advanced cellular and molecular analysis techniques to provide a comprehensive view of drug actions. They noted that while drugs are widely used in clinical settings, their mechanisms of action are often not fully understood. The organoid platform can help bridge this gap by offering detailed insights into how drugs interact with the nervous system. Looking ahead, the research team plans to further explore how the organoid platform can mimic the interactions between peripheral tissues and the brain, particularly in the context of neurological and psychiatric disorders. They aim to translate scientific questions into practical applications, driving more targeted and effective research. "We hope to build a bridge between basic research and clinical application, pushing both closer together. As technology advances, we expect organoids to play an even greater role in multiple fields," said Zhe, a lead researcher on the project. Reference: 1. Zhu, W. et al. A stroke organoids-multiomics platform to study injury mechanism and drug response. Bioactive Materials 44, 2025, 68-81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.09.038 Article operated and curated by: He Wanglong