Prof Zhang Suchun (left) joined by his team in the lab // Credit: Norfaezah Abdullah, Duke-NUS
At the forefront of neurological innovation, the newly established GK Goh Centre for Neuroscience at Duke-NUS has achieved a global first. The team has successfully cultivated a specific type of stem cell-derived neuron known as norepinephrine neurons, an accomplishment unmatched anywhere in the world.
“With these functional brain cells, we can study how they age and uncover their roles in neurodegenerative conditions. The new insights will help in finding new and more effective therapies to treat brain diseases and perhaps even slow down the ageing process,” explained centre director Professor Zhang Suchun, who is also director of Duke-NUS’ Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders Programme.
Norepinephrine neurons are specialised nerve cells located in the brainstem, which connect with every part of the brain and spinal cord.
These specific neurons degenerate in many conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease—often as early as ten years before a patient shows any symptoms of the disease.