Protocol for generating human craniofacial cartilage organoids from stem-cell-derived neural crest cells

Here, we present a protocol to generate craniofacial cartilage organoids from human stem cells via neural crest stem cells (NCSCs). We describe steps for inducing human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to form NCSCs using sequential treatments of small molecules and growth factors and isolating NCSCs by magnetic bead sorting. We then detail procedures for defining conditions where NCSCs migrate together and self-organize into craniofacial cartilage organoids. Recapitulating craniofacial chondrogenesis will facilitate craniofacial reconstruction and disease modeling. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Foltz et al.¹.