Human stem cell-based models for studying autism spectrum disorder-related neuronal dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Stem Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) allow in vitro study of human central nervous system development.
• Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) enable patient-specific disease modeling.
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with early alterations in neurogenesis and network formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Review recent advances in human iPSC-based modeling of ASD.
• Focus on neuronal dysfunction and altered connectivity in ASD.
• Discuss translation to 3D models and therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of studies using human iPSC-based models for ASD.
• Focus on neuronal differentiation and functional assessment.
• Exploration of brain organoids and cell transplantation for ASD modeling.

Main Results:

• iPSC models recapitulate aspects of syndromic and non-syndromic ASD.
• Studies highlight neuronal dysfunction and altered connectivity in ASD models.
• 3D brain organoids and transplantation offer more complex disease modeling.

Conclusions:

• Human iPSC-based models are valuable for studying ASD pathogenesis.
• These models facilitate investigation of neuronal dysfunction and connectivity.
• Future research directions include advanced tools and therapeutic assessments.