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Generation of iPSC-derived Human Brain Organoids to Model Early Neurodevelopmental Disorders
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3D Brain Organoids: Studying Brain Development and Disease Outside the Embryo
Silvia Velasco1,2, Bruna Paulsen1,2, Paola Arlotta1,2
1Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA;
Annual Review of Neuroscience
|July 10, 2020
Summary
Brain organoids, derived from stem cells, offer a novel way to study human brain development and neurological diseases. These models overcome limitations of studying in-utero development, advancing our understanding of brain pathology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Stem Cell Research
Background:
- Human brain development and neurological disease mechanisms are poorly understood due to limited experimental models.
- Studying in-utero human brain development is challenging, hindering mechanistic insights.
- Advances in stem cell technology and analytical tools are enabling new research avenues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the biology of human brain organoids.
- To compare brain organoids with the endogenous human brain.
- To highlight experimental strategies for using organoids to understand human brain pathology.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing three-dimensional organoid cultures derived from stem cells.
- Applying advanced analytical technologies for investigation.
- Comparative analysis of brain organoids and endogenous human brain biology.
Main Results:
- Brain organoids provide a viable model for studying human brain development.
- Organoids facilitate investigation into the cellular and molecular events of embryogenesis.
- New experimental pathways are opened for understanding neurological disease mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Brain organoids represent a significant advancement for studying human brain development and disease.
- These models overcome previous accessibility limitations for in-utero developmental research.
- Organoid technology promises to pioneer new understanding of human brain pathology.
