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Published on: October 21, 2014
Advanced in vitro models: Microglia in action
Bilal Cakir1, Ferdi Ridvan Kiral1, In-Hyun Park1
1Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Abstract:
In the central nervous system (CNS), microglia carry out multiple tasks related to brain development, maintenance of brain homeostasis, and function of the CNS. Recent advanced in vitro model systems allow us to perform more detailed and specific analyses of microglial functions in the CNS. The development of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs)-based 2D and 3D cell culture methods, particularly advancements in brain organoid models, offers a better platform to dissect microglial function in various contexts. Despite the improvement of these methods, there are still definite restrictions. Understanding their drawbacks and benefits ensures their proper use. In this primer, we review current developments regarding in vitro microglial production and characterization and their use to address fundamental questions about microglial function in healthy and diseased states, and we discuss potential future improvements with a particular emphasis on brain organoid models.
Insights
Microglia are key brain cells studied using advanced stem cell models. This review covers in vitro methods for analyzing microglial function in health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Stem Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Microglia are essential for central nervous system (CNS) development, homeostasis, and function.
- In vitro models are increasingly used to analyze microglial functions.
- Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have enabled advanced 2D and 3D cell culture, including brain organoids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current developments in in vitro microglial production and characterization.
- To discuss the application of these models in studying microglial function in health and disease.
- To highlight the potential of brain organoid models for future research.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on in vitro microglial models.
- Focus on human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-based 2D and 3D cultures.
- Emphasis on brain organoid models for microglial research.
Main Results:
- In vitro models, especially brain organoids, offer improved platforms for dissecting microglial functions.
- These models allow detailed analysis of microglial roles in various CNS contexts.
- Understanding the limitations of current models is crucial for their effective application.
Conclusions:
- Advanced in vitro systems, particularly brain organoids, are powerful tools for studying microglia.
- Continued development of these models will enhance our understanding of microglial roles in CNS health and disease.
- Further improvements are needed to fully leverage the potential of brain organoid models for microglial research.
