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Masatti L, Marchetti M, Pirrotta S, Spagnol G, Corrà A, Ferrari J, Noventa M, Saccardi C, Calura E, Tozzi R. The unveiled mosaic of intra-tumor heterogeneity in ovarian cancer through spatial transcriptomic technologies: A systematic review. Transl Res 2024; 273:104-114. [PMID: 39111726 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2024.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer is a significant global health issue among women. Diagnosis and treatment pose challenges due to difficulties in predicting patient responses to therapy, primarily stemming from gaps in understanding tumor chemoresistance mechanisms. Recent advancements in transcriptomic technologies like single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics have greatly improved our understanding of ovarian cancer intratumor heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment composition. Spatial transcriptomics, in particular, comprises a plethora of technologies that enable the detection of hundreds of transcriptomes and their spatial distribution within a histological section, facilitating the study of cell types, states, and interactions within the tumor and its microenvironment. Studies investigating the spatial distribution of gene expression in ovarian cancer masses have identified specific features that impact prognosis and therapy outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that specific spatial patterns of tumor cells and their immune and non-immune microenvironment significantly influence therapy response, as well as the behavior and progression of primary tumors and metastatic sites. The importance of spatially contextualizing ovarian cancer transcriptomes is underscored by these findings, which will advance our understanding and therapeutic approaches for this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Masatti
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Marchetti
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Women and Children, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Spagnol
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Women and Children, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Corrà
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Jacopo Ferrari
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Women and Children, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Noventa
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Women and Children, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Saccardi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Women and Children, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Enrica Calura
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Roberto Tozzi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Women and Children, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
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2
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Xu L, Ding H, Wu S, Xiong N, Hong Y, Zhu W, Chen X, Han X, Tao M, Wang Y, Wang D, Xu M, Huo D, Gu Z, Liu Y. Artificial Meshed Vessel-Induced Dimensional Breaking Growth of Human Brain Organoids and Multiregional Assembloids. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 39270300 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c07844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Brain organoids are widely used to model brain development and diseases. However, a major challenge in their application is the insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the core region, restricting the size and maturation of the organoids. In order to vascularize brain organoids and enhance the nutritional supply to their core areas, two-photon polymerization (TPP) 3D printing is employed to fabricate high-resolution meshed vessels in this study. These vessels made of photoresist with densely distributed micropores with a diameter of 20 μm on the sidewall, are cocultured with brain organoids to facilitate the diffusion of culture medium into the organoids. The vascularized organoids exhibit dimensional breaking growth and enhanced proliferation, reduced hypoxia and apoptosis, suggesting that the 3D-printed meshed vessels partially mimic vascular function to promote the culture of organoids. Furthermore, cortical, striatal and medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) organoids are respectively differentiated to generate Cortico-Striatal-MGE assembloids by 3D-printed vessels. The enhanced migration, projection and excitatory signaling transduction are observed between different brain regional organoids in the assembloids. This study presents an approach using TPP 3D printing to construct vascularized brain organoids and assembloids for enhancing the development and assembly, offering a research model and platform for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering; Department of neurology, affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, School of pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Haibo Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering; Department of neurology, affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Shanshan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, School of pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Nankun Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering; Department of neurology, affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yuan Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, School of pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Wanying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, School of pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xingyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, School of pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, School of pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Mengdan Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering; Department of neurology, affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yuanhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, School of pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Da Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, School of pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Min Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, School of pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Da Huo
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering; Department of neurology, affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering; Department of neurology, affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, School of pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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3
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Lancaster MA. Pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids: A brief history of curiosity-led discoveries. Bioessays 2024:e2400105. [PMID: 39101295 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202400105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Organoids are quickly becoming an accepted model for understanding human biology and disease. Pluripotent stem cells (PSC) provide a starting point for many organs and enable modeling of the embryonic development and maturation of such organs. The foundation of PSC-derived organoids can be found in elegant developmental studies demonstrating the remarkable ability of immature cells to undergo histogenesis even when taken out of the embryo context. PSC-organoids are an evolution of earlier methods such as embryoid bodies, taken to a new level with finer control and in some cases going beyond tissue histogenesis to organ-like morphogenesis. But many of the discoveries that led to organoids were not necessarily planned, but rather the result of inquisitive minds with freedom to explore. Protecting such curiosity-led research through flexible funding will be important going forward if we are to see further ground-breaking discoveries.
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Bhaduri A. Chimeric brain organoids capture human genetic diversity. Nature 2024; 631:32-33. [PMID: 38926554 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-01648-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
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5
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Islam R, Noman H, Azimi A, Siu R, Chinchalongporn V, Schuurmans C, Morshead CM. Primitive and Definitive Neural Precursor Cells Are Present in Human Cerebral Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6549. [PMID: 38928255 PMCID: PMC11203442 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Activation of neural stem cells (NSCs) correlates with improved functional outcomes in mouse models of injury. In the murine brain, NSCs have been extensively characterized and comprise (1) primitive NSCs (pNSCs) and (2) definitive NSCs (dNSCs). pNSCs are the earliest cells in the NSC lineage giving rise to dNSCs in the embryonic and adult mouse brain. pNSCs are quiescent under baseline conditions and can be activated upon injury. Herein, we asked whether human pNSCs and dNSCs can be isolated during the maturation of human cerebral organoids (COs) and activated by drugs known to regulate mouse NSC behavior. We demonstrate that self-renewing, multipotent pNSC and dNSC populations are present in human COs and express genes previously characterized in mouse NSCs. The drug NWL283, an inhibitor of apoptosis, reduced cell death in COs but did not improve NSC survival. Metformin, a drug used to treat type II diabetes that is known to promote NSC activation in mice, was found to expand human NSC pools. Together, these findings are the first to identify and characterize human pNSCs, advancing our understanding of the human NSC lineage and highlighting drugs that enhance their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehnuma Islam
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Humna Noman
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Ashkan Azimi
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 149 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - Ricky Siu
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 149 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | | | - Carol Schuurmans
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Cindi M. Morshead
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 149 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
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6
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Sandoval SO, Cappuccio G, Kruth K, Osenberg S, Khalil SM, Méndez-Albelo NM, Padmanabhan K, Wang D, Niciu MJ, Bhattacharyya A, Stein JL, Sousa AMM, Waxman EA, Buttermore ED, Whye D, Sirois CL, Williams A, Maletic-Savatic M, Zhao X. Rigor and reproducibility in human brain organoid research: Where we are and where we need to go. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:796-816. [PMID: 38759644 PMCID: PMC11297560 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Human brain organoid models have emerged as a promising tool for studying human brain development and function. These models preserve human genetics and recapitulate some aspects of human brain development, while facilitating manipulation in an in vitro setting. Despite their potential to transform biology and medicine, concerns persist about their fidelity. To fully harness their potential, it is imperative to establish reliable analytic methods, ensuring rigor and reproducibility. Here, we review current analytical platforms used to characterize human forebrain cortical organoids, highlight challenges, and propose recommendations for future studies to achieve greater precision and uniformity across laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya O Sandoval
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Gerarda Cappuccio
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karina Kruth
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sivan Osenberg
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Saleh M Khalil
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Natasha M Méndez-Albelo
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Molecular Cellular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Krishnan Padmanabhan
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Visual Science, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester NY 14642, USA
| | - Daifeng Wang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Departments of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mark J Niciu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jason L Stein
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - André M M Sousa
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Elisa A Waxman
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Epilepsy and NeuroDevelopmental Disorders (ENDD), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Buttermore
- Human Neuron Core, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Department, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dosh Whye
- Human Neuron Core, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Department, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carissa L Sirois
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Aislinn Williams
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Mirjana Maletic-Savatic
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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Leal H, Carvalhas-Almeida C, Álvaro AR, Cavadas C. Modeling hypothalamic pathophysiology in vitro for metabolic, circadian, and sleep disorders. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:505-517. [PMID: 38307813 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The hypothalamus, a small and intricate brain structure, orchestrates numerous neuroendocrine functions through specialized neurons and nuclei. Disruption of this complex circuitry can result in various diseases, including metabolic, circadian, and sleep disorders. Advances in in vitro models and their integration with new technologies have significantly benefited research on hypothalamic function and pathophysiology. We explore existing in vitro hypothalamic models and address their challenges and limitations as well as translational findings. We also highlight how collaborative efforts among multidisciplinary teams are essential to develop relevant and translational experimental models capable of replicating intricate neural circuits and neuroendocrine pathways, thereby advancing our understanding of therapeutic targets and drug discovery in hypothalamus-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Leal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Carvalhas-Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Álvaro
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Cavadas
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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8
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Zhao HH, Haddad G. Brain organoid protocols and limitations. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1351734. [PMID: 38572070 PMCID: PMC10987830 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1351734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-derived organoid technology is a powerful tool that revolutionizes the field of biomedical research and extends the scope of our understanding of human biology and diseases. Brain organoids especially open an opportunity for human brain research and modeling many human neurological diseases, which have lagged due to the inaccessibility of human brain samples and lack of similarity with other animal models. Brain organoids can be generated through various protocols and mimic whole brain or region-specific. To provide an overview of brain organoid technology, we summarize currently available protocols and list several factors to consider before choosing protocols. We also outline the limitations of current protocols and challenges that need to be solved in future investigation of brain development and pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen H. Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Gabriel Haddad
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- The Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, United States
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9
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Boyd JL. Moral considerability of brain organoids from the perspective of computational architecture. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 3:kvae004. [PMID: 38595940 PMCID: PMC10995847 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Human brain organoids equipped with complex cytoarchitecture and closed-loop feedback from virtual environments could provide insights into neural mechanisms underlying cognition. Yet organoids with certain cognitive capacities might also merit moral consideration. A precautionary approach has been proposed to address these ethical concerns by focusing on the epistemological question of whether organoids possess neural structures for morally-relevant capacities that bear resemblance to those found in human brains. Critics challenge this similarity approach on philosophical, scientific, and practical grounds but do so without a suitable alternative. Here, I introduce an architectural approach that infers the potential for cognitive-like processing in brain organoids based on the pattern of information flow through the system. The kind of computational architecture acquired by an organoid then informs the kind of cognitive capacities that could, theoretically, be supported and empirically investigated. The implications of this approach for the moral considerability of brain organoids are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lomax Boyd
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, 1809 Ashland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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10
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Massimo M, Long KR. In preprints: shaping the developing human brain. Development 2023; 150:dev202567. [PMID: 38078654 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Massimo
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Katherine R Long
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
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