Patient-derived Stem Cell Models of Anorexia Nervosa

N/AActive Not RecruitingNCT06259500

Karolinska Institutet20 enrolled

Overview

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.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Anorexia Nervosa

Interventions

observationalOTHER

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

Eligibility

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria anorexia nervosa: * female * 18-45 years of age * AN restrictive diagnosis as main diagnosis * more than 5 years duration Exclusion Criteria anorexia nervosa: \- Inclusion Criteria healthy control: * female * 18-45 years of age * BMI 18,5 - 25 Exclusion Criteria healthy control: * own or family member with eating disorder diagnosis * own or family member with autism diagnosis

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Microglia function and transcriptomic profiling

phagocytic and immune activation capacity and whole transcriptomic profiling, anorexia nervosa vs healthy controls

Time frame: 2025

Arcuate neuron function and transcriptomic profiling

Electrical activity, transmitter release and whole transcriptomic profiling of iPSC derived Arcuate neurons, anorexia nervosa vs healthy controls

Time frame: 2026