Purdue Researchers Develop a Novel Human Brain Model to Study Alzheimer’s Disease – Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine

Report on an Innovative 3D Brain Model for Alzheimer’s Research

Introduction: Aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3

In a significant contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), researchers at Purdue University have developed a sophisticated 3D human mini-brain model. This innovation, detailed in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, is designed to accelerate the understanding and treatment of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (sAD), a non-communicable disease that poses a major global health challenge.

Model Development and Scientific Innovation

Addressing a Critical Gap in sAD Research

The research directly addresses a major obstacle in neurological science. The new organoid model was specifically developed to study sporadic Alzheimer’s disease, which lacks a clear genetic cause and represents over 95% of all cases. This focus is critical for achieving SDG 3, which targets a reduction in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases.

• Most existing models are based on the rarer, inherited form of Alzheimer’s.
• The new model provides a physiologically relevant tool for studying the most common form of the disease.
• This work represents a key step in creating effective prevention and treatment strategies as outlined in SDG 3.4.

A Complex, Multi-Cellular System for Enhanced Accuracy

Reflecting a significant advancement in line with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), the 3D model is a complex system that incorporates multiple cell types. This multi-cellular approach allows for a more accurate representation of the human brain environment.

The model includes four major brain cell types affected by Alzheimer’s:

1. Neurons: Core nerve cells responsible for communication.
2. Astrocytes: Cells that support and protect neurons.
3. Microglia: Immune cells that protect the brain from pathogens.
4. Vascular cells: Cells that maintain the blood-brain barrier and regulate blood flow.

Validation and Efficacy in Advancing Global Health Goals

Rapid Induction of Disease Hallmarks

The model’s efficacy was validated by exposing it to postmortem brain extracts from individuals with sAD. The results demonstrated a rapid and robust development of key disease pathologies, making it an efficient tool for research aimed at achieving SDG 3.

• Beta-amyloid plaque-like buildup: Developed within four weeks.
• Tau tangles: Observed inside the model’s neurons.
• Brain inflammation: A key feature of AD pathology was present.
• Synaptic loss and impaired neural activity: The model successfully mimicked the functional decline seen in the human brain.

A Validated Platform for Pharmaceutical Discovery

The research team further confirmed the model’s utility by testing its response to lecanemab, an FDA-approved drug for Alzheimer’s. The model’s reaction closely mirrored documented human responses, establishing its potential as a reliable platform for validating new treatments and accelerating drug discovery pipelines.

• The model showed a reduction in amyloid levels, consistent with the drug’s mechanism of action.
• It also replicated known side effects, such as increased vascular inflammation.
• This capability directly supports the “treatment” component of SDG 3.4 by providing a more effective and human-relevant preclinical testing system.

Institutional Support and Future Directions

Fostering Innovation Through Strategic Partnerships (SDG 17)

The project’s success highlights the importance of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The research was made possible through a collaborative funding effort, demonstrating a commitment to translational science that moves laboratory discoveries to clinical applications.

Key supporters include:

• The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• The Showalter Grant program
• The Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience
• The Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine

Scaling Research Capacity for Greater Impact

To build on this momentum, the research team is expanding its facilities with a new cell culture room. This expansion, coupled with the recruitment of a new postdoctoral researcher, signals a commitment to scaling up the research. These efforts will enhance the team’s capacity to conduct larger projects, further advancing scientific knowledge and contributing to the global effort to combat Alzheimer’s disease in alignment with SDG 3.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on Alzheimer’s research at Purdue University addresses and connects to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The core focus of the article is on Alzheimer’s disease, a significant non-communicable disease affecting global health. The research aims to understand its progression and develop effective treatments, directly contributing to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The article highlights significant scientific innovation through the development of a “sophisticated 3D human mini-brain model.” This represents a leap in research technology. Furthermore, the mention of a patent application, securing research grants, and expanding laboratory facilities (“a new cell culture room”) all point to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The research project is a collaborative effort. It is supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (a public institution), internal university funding, and it validates a drug (lecanemab) developed by a partnership of private companies (Eisai Co., Ltd.; Biogen Inc.; and BioArctic). This demonstrates a multi-stakeholder partnership to achieve a common goal.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 3.4: “By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.” The research directly addresses the “treatment” aspect of this target by creating a model to test new drugs for Alzheimer’s, a major non-communicable neurological disease.
2. Target 3.b: “Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases…” The entire project, funded by multiple grants, is centered on research and development for a non-communicable disease, aiming to create tools that “validate promising new treatments.”
3. Target 9.5: “Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries… encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers… and public and private research and development spending.” The article describes the creation of an innovative research tool, the application for a patent, the receipt of R&D funding, and the active recruitment of a new researcher, all of which align with this target.
4. Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.” The project exemplifies this target through the collaboration between Purdue University (academia), the National Institutes of Health (public funding body), and the private pharmaceutical companies that developed the drug being tested.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 3.4 & 3.b: The development and successful use of the 3D mini-brain model to test the efficacy of drugs like lecanemab. The article states the model “shows great promise for evaluating new treatments earlier and more effectively,” which is a direct measure of progress in R&D for treatments.
• Indicator for Target 3.b & 9.5: The amount of research and development funding. The article explicitly states that Dr. Xu “received two grants from the National Institutes of Health,” a “Showalter Grant,” and funding from other Purdue institutes, which are concrete indicators of R&D spending.
• Indicators for Target 9.5:
  • Innovation and Technology: The creation of the “organoid” or “mini-brain” model itself is a key indicator of scientific innovation.
  • Intellectual Property: The statement that “He has applied for a patent via Purdue Research Foundation” serves as a formal indicator of innovation.
  • Research Personnel: The effort to grow the team (“Dr. Xu is currently seeking a postdoctoral researcher”) is an indicator of increasing the number of R&D workers.
  • Research Infrastructure: The outfitting of additional lab space (“A new cell culture room, scheduled to open in the fall”) is an indicator of upgrading research infrastructure.
• Indicator for Target 17.17: The existence of the partnerships themselves. The article names the specific entities involved: Purdue University, the National Institutes of Health, and the corporate partnership of Eisai Co., Ltd., Biogen Inc., and BioArctic, which serves as a qualitative indicator of a functioning public-private partnership.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: vet.purdue.edu