Scientists Measure Communication Between Stem Cell-Derived Motor Neurons and Muscle Cells

UCLA researchers have developed a functional way to measure the speed of communication between motor neurons and muscle cells outside the body.  To do this, stem cell-derived motor neurons from mice were used along with previously developed muscle fibers.  The cells were cultured in a petri dish in a particular way so that the cells would automatically form synaptic connections.  After a week, the neurons had made all the protein networks needed for communication with the muscle cells.  Using a method called dual patch-clamp recording, the scientists measured the connections between the cells.  In this method, pipettes are inserted into the motor neurons with stimulation and recording electrodes to simulate a reaction.  The researchers at UCLA hope that this new way of observing neurons and muscle cell communication can help provide information on neurodegenerative diseases and pinpoint exactly when neuron cells begin to degenerate.

This relates to our current studies because it discusses muscle cells and how they interact with neurons to produce movements and reactions, which is what we studied in the nervous and skeletal system chapter.  The article provides a look at how neurons relay signals to muscle cells.  It also explains how nuerodegenerative diseases are a decaying and eventual destruction of the neurons, resulting in a loss of communication.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504172057.htm