Maternal cells found in child's brain

A new study has revealed that cells from a mother can remain in a child’s brain for their entire life. These cells, known as microchimeric cells, cross the placenta during pregnancy and settle in the brain’s gray matter.

Microchimeric cells have multiple roles

The study, published in the journal bioRxiv and reported by New Scientist, suggests these maternal cells perform various functions. They may influence the development of autoimmune diseases and contribute to tissue repair in the brain.

Challenges in detecting microchimeric cells

Detecting these cells has been difficult due to their rarity and the challenges of obtaining brain tissue samples. Researchers typically find only one microchimeric cell in every 100,000 cells examined, according to Sami Kanaan of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle.

Advanced techniques identify maternal cells

To identify these cells, researchers used single-nucleus RNA sequencing and a computational tool called Cellector. This method helped them detect maternal cells in 26 out of 37 children studied, with an average of 2.2 microchimeric cells per 100,000 brain cells.

Microchimeric cells present across all ages

The study also analyzed data from various age groups, from fetuses to older adults. It found that microchimeric cells are present in the brain throughout life, though their numbers decline over time due to natural cell death processes.

Microchimerism is common and lifelong

Sami Kanaan described microchimerism as a widespread human trait that begins in early life and continues throughout a person’s lifetime. The findings highlight the complex genetic interactions that shape the human brain.