Learning about cell lineage, cellular diversity and evolution of the human brain through stem cell models

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Research

Background:

• Understanding cell diversity in the brain is crucial for deciphering neural function.
• Mouse models and pluripotent stem cell-derived models offer complementary approaches to study brain development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current knowledge on cell diversity in cortical and non-cortical brain regions.
• To discuss mechanisms of corticogenesis and neuronal layer generation.
• To evaluate the potential of human brain organoids in modeling human brain development and evolution.

Main Methods:

• Review of in vivo mouse models.
• Analysis of in vitro models derived from pluripotent stem cells.
• Overview of human brain organoid models.

Main Results:

• Cell diversity in mouse and stem cell models has been characterized.
• Mechanisms of temporal progression in corticogenesis are increasingly understood.
• Human brain organoids show promise in recapitulating aspects of human cortical development and evolution.

Conclusions:

• Stem cell-derived models, including human brain organoids, are powerful tools for studying brain development.
• These models provide insights into the evolution of the human cortex.
• Further research with organoids can elucidate the fundamental aspects of human brain development.