Patient-derived Stem Cell Models of Anorexia Nervosa

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

observational: Profiling the function of iPSC derived Arcuate neurons and PBMC derived microglia

Study summary

Experimental and genetic data, as well as brain imaging, support a role of the hypothalamic Arcuate nucleus neurons and their communication with surrounding microglia in anorectic conditions, but it has until recently not been possible to explore these cells at a molecular level in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients. This attributed to the obvious lack of valid tissue and non-invasive imaging techniques of high enough resolution. Stem cell models have evolved as a useful tool for the exploration of other neuropsychiatric disorders with a comparably high genetic contribution as AN. The investigators will here use patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to profile Arc neurons and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) derived microglia in AN, thus defining molecules to explore as drug targets.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Microglia function and transcriptomic profiling — 2025
  phagocytic and immune activation capacity and whole transcriptomic profiling, anorexia nervosa vs healthy controls
• Arcuate neuron function and transcriptomic profiling — 2026
  Electrical activity, transmitter release and whole transcriptomic profiling of iPSC derived Arcuate neurons, anorexia nervosa vs healthy controls

Trial sites (1)

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