1
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Gu L, Cai H, Chen L, Gu M, Tchieu J, Guo F. Functional Neural Networks in Human Brain Organoids. BME FRONTIERS 2024; 5:0065. [PMID: 39314749 PMCID: PMC11418062 DOI: 10.34133/bmef.0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human brain organoids are 3-dimensional brain-like tissues derived from human pluripotent stem cells and hold promising potential for modeling neurological, psychiatric, and developmental disorders. While the molecular and cellular aspects of human brain organoids have been intensively studied, their functional properties such as organoid neural networks (ONNs) are largely understudied. Here, we summarize recent research advances in understanding, characterization, and application of functional ONNs in human brain organoids. We first discuss the formation of ONNs and follow up with characterization strategies including microelectrode array (MEA) technology and calcium imaging. Moreover, we highlight recent studies utilizing ONNs to investigate neurological diseases such as Rett syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Finally, we provide our perspectives on the future challenges and opportunities for using ONNs in basic research and translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjun Gu
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering,
Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Hongwei Cai
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering,
Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering,
Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Mingxia Gu
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Division of Pulmonary Biology, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Jason Tchieu
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Division of Pulmonary Biology, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering,
Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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2
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Oliva MK, Bourke J, Kornienko D, Mattei C, Mao M, Kuanyshbek A, Ovchinnikov D, Bryson A, Karle TJ, Maljevic S, Petrou S. Standardizing a method for functional assessment of neural networks in brain organoids. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 409:110178. [PMID: 38825241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110178] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
During the last decade brain organoids have emerged as an attractive model system, allowing stem cells to be differentiated into complex 3D models, recapitulating many aspects of human brain development. Whilst many studies have analysed anatomical and cytoarchitectural characteristics of organoids, their functional characterisation has been limited, and highly variable between studies. Standardised, consistent methods for recording functional activity are critical to providing a functional understanding of neuronal networks at the synaptic and network level that can yield useful information about functional network phenotypes in disease and healthy states. In this study we outline a detailed methodology for calcium imaging and Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) recordings in brain organoids. To illustrate the utility of these functional interrogation techniques in uncovering induced differences in neural network activity we applied various stimulating media protocols. We demonstrate overlapping information from the two modalities, with comparable numbers of active cells in the four treatment groups and an increase in synchronous behaviour in BrainPhys treated groups. Further development of analysis pipelines to reveal network level changes in brain organoids will enrich our understanding of network formation and perturbation in these structures, and aid in the future development of drugs that target neurological disorders at the network level.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Oliva
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - J Bourke
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - D Kornienko
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - C Mattei
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - M Mao
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - A Kuanyshbek
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - D Ovchinnikov
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - A Bryson
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - T J Karle
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - S Maljevic
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - S Petrou
- Ion Channels and Diseases Group, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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3
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Ren K, Wang Q, Jiang D, Liu E, Alsmaan J, Jiang R, Rutkove SB, Tian F. A comprehensive review of electrophysiological techniques in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1435619. [PMID: 39280794 PMCID: PMC11393746 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1435619] [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: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration, leading to widespread weakness and respiratory failure. While a variety of mechanisms have been proposed as causes of this disease, a full understanding remains elusive. Electrophysiological alterations, including increased motor axon excitability, likely play an important role in disease progression. There remains a critical need for non-animal disease models that can integrate electrophysiological tools to better understand underlying mechanisms, track disease progression, and evaluate potential therapeutic interventions. This review explores the integration of electrophysiological technologies with ALS disease models. It covers cellular and clinical electrophysiological tools and their applications in ALS research. Additionally, we examine conventional animal models and highlight advancements in humanized models and 3D organoid technologies. By bridging the gap between these models, we aim to enhance our understanding of ALS pathogenesis and facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyuan Ren
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Qinglong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Douglas Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ethan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Julie Alsmaan
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- School of Arts and Science, Harvard College, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Rui Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- School of Arts and Science, Harvard College, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Seward B Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Feng Tian
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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4
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Patel D, Shetty S, Acha C, Pantoja IEM, Zhao A, George D, Gracias DH. Microinstrumentation for Brain Organoids. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302456. [PMID: 38217546 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302456] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Brain organoids are three-dimensional aggregates of self-organized differentiated stem cells that mimic the structure and function of human brain regions. Organoids bridge the gaps between conventional drug screening models such as planar mammalian cell culture, animal studies, and clinical trials. They can revolutionize the fields of developmental biology, neuroscience, toxicology, and computer engineering. Conventional microinstrumentation for conventional cellular engineering, such as planar microfluidic chips; microelectrode arrays (MEAs); and optical, magnetic, and acoustic techniques, has limitations when applied to three-dimensional (3D) organoids, primarily due to their limits with inherently two-dimensional geometry and interfacing. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new instrumentation compatible with live cell culture techniques and with scalable 3D formats relevant to organoids. This review discusses conventional planar approaches and emerging 3D microinstrumentation necessary for advanced organoid-machine interfaces. Specifically, this article surveys recently developed microinstrumentation, including 3D printed and curved microfluidics, 3D and fast-scan optical techniques, buckling and self-folding MEAs, 3D interfaces for electrochemical measurements, and 3D spatially controllable magnetic and acoustic technologies relevant to two-way information transfer with brain organoids. This article highlights key challenges that must be addressed for robust organoid culture and reliable 3D spatiotemporal information transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devan Patel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Saniya Shetty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Chris Acha
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Itzy E Morales Pantoja
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Alice Zhao
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Derosh George
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - David H Gracias
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics (LCSR), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Center for MicroPhysiological Systems (MPS), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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5
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Taira R, Akamine S, Okuzono S, Fujii F, Hatai E, Yonemoto K, Takemoto R, Kato H, Masuda K, Kato TA, Kira R, Tsujimura K, Yamamura K, Ozaki N, Ohga S, Sakai Y. Gnao1 is a molecular switch that regulates the Rho signaling pathway in differentiating neurons. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17097. [PMID: 39048611 PMCID: PMC11269603 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68062-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
GNAO1 encodes G protein subunit alpha O1 (Gαo). Pathogenic variations in GNAO1 cause developmental delay, intractable seizures, and progressive involuntary movements from early infancy. Because the functional role of GNAO1 in the developing brain remains unclear, therapeutic strategies are still unestablished for patients presenting with GNAO1-associated encephalopathy. We herein report that siRNA-mediated depletion of Gnao1 perturbs the expression of transcripts associated with Rho GTPase signaling in Neuro2a cells. Consistently, siRNA treatment hampered neurite outgrowth and extension. Growth cone formation was markedly disrupted in monolayer neurons differentiated from iPSCs from a patient with a pathogenic variant of Gαo (p.G203R). This variant disabled neuro-spherical assembly, acquisition of the organized structure, and polarized signals of phospho-MLC2 in cortical organoids from the patient's iPSCs. We confirmed that the Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632 restored these morphological phenotypes. Thus, Gαo determines the self-organizing process of the developing brain by regulating the Rho-associated pathway. These data suggest that Rho GTPase pathway might be an alternative target of therapy for patients with GNAO1-associated encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoji Taira
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Highashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Akamine
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Highashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Sayaka Okuzono
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Highashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Fujii
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Highashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Eriko Hatai
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Highashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kousuke Yonemoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Highashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Takemoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Highashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kato
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Oral Anatomy, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keiji Masuda
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takahiro A Kato
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Kira
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keita Tsujimura
- Group of Brain Function and Development, Neuroscience Institute of the Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
- Research Unit for Developmental Disorders, Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Shionogi Pharma Co., Ltd., Settsu, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Yamamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Highashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shouichi Ohga
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Highashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yasunari Sakai
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Highashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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6
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Kang R, Park S, Shin S, Bak G, Park JC. Electrophysiological insights with brain organoid models: a brief review. BMB Rep 2024; 57:311-317. [PMID: 38919012 PMCID: PMC11289503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain organoid is a three-dimensional (3D) tissue derived from stem cells such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) embryonic stem cells (ESCs) that reflect real human brain structure. It replicates the complexity and development of the human brain, enabling studies of the human brain in vitro. With emerging technologies, its application is various, including disease modeling and drug screening. A variety of experimental methods have been used to study structural and molecular characteristics of brain organoids. However, electrophysiological analysis is necessary to understand their functional characteristics and complexity. Although electrophysiological approaches have rapidly advanced for monolayered cells, there are some limitations in studying electrophysiological and neural network characteristics due to the lack of 3D characteristics. Herein, electrophysiological measurement and analytical methods related to neural complexity and 3D characteristics of brain organoids are reviewed. Overall, electrophysiological understanding of brain organoids allows us to overcome limitations of monolayer in vitro cell culture models, providing deep insights into the neural network complex of the real human brain and new ways of disease modeling. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(7): 311-317].
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Affiliation(s)
- Rian Kang
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Metabiohealth, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Soomin Park
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Saewoon Shin
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Gyusoo Bak
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Metabiohealth, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Jong-Chan Park
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Metabiohealth, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
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7
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Linsley JW, Reisine T, Finkbeiner S. Three dimensional and four dimensional live imaging to study mechanisms of progressive neurodegeneration. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107433. [PMID: 38825007 PMCID: PMC11261153 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107433] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are complex and progressive, posing challenges to their study and understanding. Recent advances in microscopy imaging technologies have enabled the exploration of neurons in three spatial dimensions (3D) over time (4D). When applied to 3D cultures, tissues, or animals, these technologies can provide valuable insights into the dynamic and spatial nature of neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on the use of imaging techniques and neurodegenerative disease models to study neurodegeneration in 4D. Imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy, two-photon microscopy, miniscope imaging, light sheet microscopy, and robotic microscopy offer powerful tools to visualize and analyze neuronal changes over time in 3D tissue. Application of these technologies to in vitro models of neurodegeneration such as mouse organotypic culture systems and human organoid models provide versatile platforms to study neurodegeneration in a physiologically relevant context. Additionally, use of 4D imaging in vivo, including in mouse and zebrafish models of neurodegenerative diseases, allows for the investigation of early dysfunction and behavioral changes associated with neurodegeneration. We propose that these studies have the power to overcome the limitations of two-dimensional monolayer neuronal cultures and pave the way for improved understanding of the dynamics of neurodegenerative diseases and the development of effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy W Linsley
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA; Operant Biopharma, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Terry Reisine
- Independent Scientific Consultant, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Steven Finkbeiner
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA; Operant Biopharma, San Francisco, California, USA; Taube/Koret Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA; Departments of Neurology and Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
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8
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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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9
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Wu Y, Cheng J, Qi J, Hang C, Dong R, Low BC, Yu H, Jiang X. Three-dimensional liquid metal-based neuro-interfaces for human hippocampal organoids. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4047. [PMID: 38744873 PMCID: PMC11094048 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48452-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Human hippocampal organoids (hHOs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have emerged as promising models for investigating neurodegenerative disorders, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. However, obtaining the electrical information of these free-floating organoids in a noninvasive manner remains a challenge using commercial multi-electrode arrays (MEAs). The three-dimensional (3D) MEAs developed recently acquired only a few neural signals due to limited channel numbers. Here, we report a hippocampal cyborg organoid (cyb-organoid) platform coupling a liquid metal-polymer conductor (MPC)-based mesh neuro-interface with hHOs. The mesh MPC (mMPC) integrates 128-channel multielectrode arrays distributed on a small surface area (~2*2 mm). Stretchability (up to 500%) and flexibility of the mMPC enable its attachment to hHOs. Furthermore, we show that under Wnt3a and SHH activator induction, hHOs produce HOPX+ and PAX6+ progenitors and ZBTB20+PROX1+ dentate gyrus (DG) granule neurons. The transcriptomic signatures of hHOs reveal high similarity to the developing human hippocampus. We successfully detect neural activities from hHOs via the mMPC from this cyb-organoid. Compared with traditional planar devices, our non-invasive coupling offers an adaptor for recording neural signals from 3D models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jinhao Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chen Hang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ruihua Dong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Boon Chuan Low
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hanry Yu
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
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10
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Petersilie L, Heiduschka S, Nelson JS, Neu LA, Le S, Anand R, Kafitz KW, Prigione A, Rose CR. Cortical brain organoid slices (cBOS) for the study of human neural cells in minimal networks. iScience 2024; 27:109415. [PMID: 38523789 PMCID: PMC10957451 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells are a promising tool for studying human neurodevelopment and related disorders. Here, we generated long-term cultures of cortical brain organoid slices (cBOS) grown at the air-liquid interphase from regionalized cortical organoids. We show that cBOS host mature neurons and astrocytes organized in complex architecture. Whole-cell patch-clamp demonstrated subthreshold synaptic inputs and action potential firing of neurons. Spontaneous intracellular calcium signals turned into synchronous large-scale oscillations upon combined disinhibition of NMDA receptors and blocking of GABAA receptors. Brief metabolic inhibition to mimic transient energy restriction in the ischemic brain induced reversible intracellular calcium loading of cBOS. Moreover, metabolic inhibition induced a reversible decline in neuronal ATP as revealed by ATeam1.03YEMK. Overall, cBOS provide a powerful platform to assess morphological and functional aspects of human neural cells in intact minimal networks and to address the pathways that drive cellular damage during brain ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Petersilie
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Sonja Heiduschka
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children’s Hospital and Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Joel S.E. Nelson
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Louis A. Neu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephanie Le
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children’s Hospital and Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Ruchika Anand
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl W. Kafitz
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Alessandro Prigione
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children’s Hospital and Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Christine R. Rose
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
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11
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Heesen SH, Köhr G. GABAergic interneuron diversity and organization are crucial for the generation of human-specific functional neural networks in cerebral organoids. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1389335. [PMID: 38665372 PMCID: PMC11044699 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1389335] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This mini review investigates the importance of GABAergic interneurons for the network function of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived brain organoids. The presented evidence suggests that the abundance, diversity and three-dimensional cortical organization of GABAergic interneurons are the primary elements responsible for the creation of synchronous neuronal firing patterns. Without intricate inhibition, coupled oscillatory patterns cannot reach a sufficient complexity to transfer spatiotemporal information constituting physiological network function. Furthermore, human-specific brain network function seems to be mediated by a more complex and interconnected inhibitory structure that remains developmentally flexible for a longer period when compared to rodents. This suggests that several characteristics of human brain networks cannot be captured by rodent models, emphasizing the need for model systems like organoids that adequately mimic physiological human brain function in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian H. Heesen
- Molecular and Behavioural Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg Köhr
- Department of Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Physiology of Neural Networks, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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12
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Maramraju S, Kowalczewski A, Kaza A, Liu X, Singaraju JP, Albert MV, Ma Z, Yang H. AI-organoid integrated systems for biomedical studies and applications. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10641. [PMID: 38435826 PMCID: PMC10905559 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In this review, we explore the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing the biomedical applications of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived organoids. Stem cell-derived organoids, these miniature organ replicas, have become essential tools for disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine. However, analyzing the vast and intricate datasets generated from these organoids can be inefficient and error-prone. AI techniques offer a promising solution to efficiently extract insights and make predictions from diverse data types generated from microscopy images, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics. This review offers a brief overview of organoid characterization and fundamental concepts in AI while focusing on a comprehensive exploration of AI applications in organoid-based disease modeling and drug evaluation. It provides insights into the future possibilities of AI in enhancing the quality control of organoid fabrication, label-free organoid recognition, and three-dimensional image reconstruction of complex organoid structures. This review presents the challenges and potential solutions in AI-organoid integration, focusing on the establishment of reliable AI model decision-making processes and the standardization of organoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhiksha Maramraju
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of North TexasDentonTexasUSA
- Texas Academy of Mathematics and ScienceUniversity of North TexasDentonTexasUSA
| | - Andrew Kowalczewski
- Department of Biomedical & Chemical EngineeringSyracuse UniversitySyracuseNew YorkUSA
- BioInspired Institute for Material and Living SystemsSyracuse UniversitySyracuseNew YorkUSA
| | - Anirudh Kaza
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of North TexasDentonTexasUSA
- Texas Academy of Mathematics and ScienceUniversity of North TexasDentonTexasUSA
| | - Xiyuan Liu
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace EngineeringSyracuse UniversitySyracuseNew YorkUSA
| | - Jathin Pranav Singaraju
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of North TexasDentonTexasUSA
- Texas Academy of Mathematics and ScienceUniversity of North TexasDentonTexasUSA
| | - Mark V. Albert
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of North TexasDentonTexasUSA
- Department of Computer Science and EngineeringUniversity of North TexasDentonTexasUSA
| | - Zhen Ma
- Department of Biomedical & Chemical EngineeringSyracuse UniversitySyracuseNew YorkUSA
- BioInspired Institute for Material and Living SystemsSyracuse UniversitySyracuseNew YorkUSA
| | - Huaxiao Yang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of North TexasDentonTexasUSA
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13
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Lavekar SS, Patel MD, Montalvo-Parra MD, Krencik R. Asteroid impact: the potential of astrocytes to modulate human neural networks within organoids. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1305921. [PMID: 38075269 PMCID: PMC10702564 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1305921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are a vital cellular component of the central nervous system that impact neuronal function in both healthy and pathological states. This includes intercellular signals to neurons and non-neuronal cells during development, maturation, and aging that can modulate neural network formation, plasticity, and maintenance. Recently, human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural aggregate cultures, known as neurospheres or organoids, have emerged as improved experimental platforms for basic and pre-clinical neuroscience compared to traditional approaches. Here, we summarize the potential capability of using organoids to further understand the mechanistic role of astrocytes upon neural networks, including the production of extracellular matrix components and reactive signaling cues. Additionally, we discuss the application of organoid models to investigate the astrocyte-dependent aspects of neuropathological diseases and to test astrocyte-inspired technologies. We examine the shortcomings of organoid-based experimental platforms and plausible improvements made possible by cutting-edge neuroengineering technologies. These advancements are expected to enable the development of improved diagnostic strategies and high-throughput translational applications regarding neuroregeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - R. Krencik
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
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14
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Lam D, Enright HA, Cadena J, George VK, Soscia DA, Tooker AC, Triplett M, Peters SKG, Karande P, Ladd A, Bogguri C, Wheeler EK, Fischer NO. Spatiotemporal analysis of 3D human iPSC-derived neural networks using a 3D multi-electrode array. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1287089. [PMID: 38026689 PMCID: PMC10679684 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1287089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
While there is a growing appreciation of three-dimensional (3D) neural tissues (i.e., hydrogel-based, organoids, and spheroids), shown to improve cellular health and network activity to mirror brain-like activity in vivo, functional assessment using current electrophysiology techniques (e.g., planar multi-electrode arrays or patch clamp) has been technically challenging and limited to surface measurements at the bottom or top of the 3D tissue. As next-generation MEAs, specifically 3D MEAs, are being developed to increase the spatial precision across all three dimensions (X, Y, Z), development of improved computational analytical tools to discern region-specific changes within the Z dimension of the 3D tissue is needed. In the present study, we introduce a novel computational analytical pipeline to analyze 3D neural network activity recorded from a "bottom-up" 3D MEA integrated with a 3D hydrogel-based tissue containing human iPSC-derived neurons and primary astrocytes. Over a period of ~6.5 weeks, we describe the development and maturation of 3D neural activity (i.e., features of spiking and bursting activity) within cross sections of the 3D tissue, based on the vertical position of the electrode on the 3D MEA probe, in addition to network activity (identified using synchrony analysis) within and between cross sections. Then, using the sequential addition of postsynaptic receptor antagonists, bicuculline (BIC), 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (AP-5), and 6-cyano-5-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), we demonstrate that networks within and between cross sections of the 3D hydrogel-based tissue show a preference for GABA and/or glutamate synaptic transmission, suggesting differences in the network composition throughout the neural tissue. The ability to monitor the functional dynamics of the entire 3D reconstructed neural tissue is a critical bottleneck; here we demonstrate a computational pipeline that can be implemented in studies to better interpret network activity within an engineered 3D neural tissue and have a better understanding of the modeled organ tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Lam
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Heather A. Enright
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Jose Cadena
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Vivek Kurien George
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - David A. Soscia
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Angela C. Tooker
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Michael Triplett
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Sandra K. G. Peters
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Piyush Karande
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Alexander Ladd
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Chandrakumar Bogguri
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth K. Wheeler
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas O. Fischer
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
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15
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Owen M, Huang Z, Duclos C, Lavazza A, Grasso M, Hudetz AG. Theoretical Neurobiology of Consciousness Applied to Human Cerebral Organoids. Camb Q Healthc Ethics 2023:1-21. [PMID: 37850471 DOI: 10.1017/s0963180123000543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Organoids and specifically human cerebral organoids (HCOs) are one of the most relevant novelties in the field of biomedical research. Grown either from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells, HCOs can be used as in vitro three-dimensional models, mimicking the developmental process and organization of the developing human brain. Based on that, and despite their current limitations, it cannot be assumed that they will never at any stage of development manifest some rudimentary form of consciousness. In the absence of behavioral indicators of consciousness, the theoretical neurobiology of consciousness being applied to unresponsive brain-injured patients can be considered with respect to HCOs. In clinical neurology, it is difficult to discern a capacity for consciousness in unresponsive brain-injured patients who provide no behavioral indicators of consciousness. In such scenarios, a validated neurobiological theory of consciousness, which tells us what the neural mechanisms of consciousness are, could be used to identify a capacity for consciousness. Like the unresponsive patients that provide a diagnostic difficulty for neurologists, HCOs provide no behavioral indicators of consciousness. Therefore, this article discusses how three prominent neurobiological theories of consciousness apply to human cerebral organoids. From the perspective of the Temporal Circuit Hypothesis, the Global Neuronal Workspace Theory, and the Integrated Information Theory, we discuss what neuronal structures and functions might indicate that cerebral organoids have a neurobiological capacity to be conscious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Owen
- Philosophy Department, Yakima Valley College, Yakima, WA, USA
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zirui Huang
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Catherine Duclos
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Nord-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Lavazza
- Centro Universitario Internazionale, Arezzo, Italy
- University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Grasso
- Center for Sleep and Consciousness, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anthony G Hudetz
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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16
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Ciarpella F, Zamfir RG, Campanelli A, Pedrotti G, Di Chio M, Bottani E, Decimo I. Generation of mouse hippocampal brain organoids from primary embryonic neural stem cells. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102413. [PMID: 37454299 PMCID: PMC10384661 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102413] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we present a protocol to generate standardized cerebral organoids with hippocampal regional specification using morphogen WNT3a. We describe steps for isolating mouse embryonic (E14.5) neural stem cells from the brain subgranular zone, preparing organoids samples for immunofluorescence, calcium imaging, and metabolic profiling. This protocol can be used to generate mouse brain organoids for developmental studies, modeling disease, and drug screening. Organoids can be obtained in one month, thus providing a rapid tool for high-throughput data validation. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Ciarpella et al. "Murine cerebral organoids develop network of functional neurons and hippocampal brain region identity".1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ciarpella
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Raluca Georgiana Zamfir
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Alessandra Campanelli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Giulia Pedrotti
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Marzia Di Chio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Emanuela Bottani
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Ilaria Decimo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy.
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17
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Kim NH, Chae S, Yi SA, Sa DH, Oh S, Kang ES, Kim S, Choi KH, Lee J, Choi JY, Kim YH. Peptide-Assembled Single-Chain Atomic Crystal Enhances Pluripotent Stem Cell Differentiation to Neurons. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:6859-6867. [PMID: 37470721 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c00966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterials hybridized with biological components have widespread applications. among many candidates, peptides are attractive in that their peptide sequences can self-assemble with the surface of target materials with high specificity without perturbing the intrinsic properties of nanomaterials. Here, a 1D hybrid nanomaterial was developed through self-assembly of a designed peptide. A hexagonal coiled-coil motif geometrically matched to the diameter of the inorganic nanomaterial was fabricated, whose hydrophobic surface was wrapped along the axis of the hydrophobic core of the coiled coil. Our morphological and spectroscopic analyses revealed rod-shaped, homogeneous peptide-inorganic nanomaterial complexes. Culturing embryonic stem cells on surfaces coated with this peptide-assembled single-chain atomic crystal increased the growth and adhesion of the embryonic stem cells. The hybridized nanomaterial also served as an ECM for brain organoids, accelerating the maturation of neurons. New methods to fabricate hybrid materials through peptide assembly can be applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Hyeong Kim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sudong Chae
- School of Advanced Materials Science & Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Ah Yi
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Deok Hyang Sa
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungbae Oh
- School of Advanced Materials Science & Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Sung Kang
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhyeon Kim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hwan Choi
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biohealth Regulatory Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaecheol Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Imnewrun Inc., Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Young Choi
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- School of Advanced Materials Science & Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Ho Kim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Imnewrun Inc., Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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18
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Phouphetlinthong O, Partiot E, Bernou C, Sebban A, Gaudin R, Charlot B. Protruding cantilever microelectrode array to monitor the inner electrical activity of cerebral organoids. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:3603-3614. [PMID: 37489118 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00294b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell-derived cerebral organoids are artificially grown miniature organ-like structures mimicking embryonic brain architecture. They are composed of multiple neural cell types with 3D cell layer organization exhibiting local field potential. Measuring the extracellular electrical activity by means of conventional planar microelectrode arrays is particularly challenging due to the 3D architecture of organoids. In order to monitor the intra-organoid electrical activity of thick spheroid-shaped samples, we developed long protruding microelectrode arrays able to penetrate the inner regions of cerebral organoids to measure the local potential of neurons within the organoids. A new microfabrication process has been developed which, thanks to the relaxation of internal stresses of a stack of materials deposited over a sacrificial layer, allows one to build a protruding cantilever microelectrode array placed at the apex of beams which rise vertically, over two hundred microns. These slender beams inserted deeply into the organoids give access to the recording of local field potential from neurons buried inside the organoid. This novel device shall provide valuable tools to study neural functions in greater detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oramany Phouphetlinthong
- IES, Institut d'Electronique et des Systèmes, UMR 5214 CNRS, Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Emma Partiot
- IRIM, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, UMR 9004 CNRS, Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Corentin Bernou
- IRIM, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, UMR 9004 CNRS, Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Audrey Sebban
- IES, Institut d'Electronique et des Systèmes, UMR 5214 CNRS, Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Raphael Gaudin
- IRIM, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, UMR 9004 CNRS, Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Benoit Charlot
- IES, Institut d'Electronique et des Systèmes, UMR 5214 CNRS, Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
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19
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Mulder LA, Depla JA, Sridhar A, Wolthers K, Pajkrt D, Vieira de Sá R. A beginner's guide on the use of brain organoids for neuroscientists: a systematic review. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:87. [PMID: 37061699 PMCID: PMC10105545 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03302-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first human brain organoid protocol was presented in the beginning of the previous decade, and since then, the field witnessed the development of many new brain region-specific models, and subsequent protocol adaptations and modifications. The vast amount of data available on brain organoid technology may be overwhelming for scientists new to the field and consequently decrease its accessibility. Here, we aimed at providing a practical guide for new researchers in the field by systematically reviewing human brain organoid publications. METHODS Articles published between 2010 and 2020 were selected and categorised for brain organoid applications. Those describing neurodevelopmental studies or protocols for novel organoid models were further analysed for culture duration of the brain organoids, protocol comparisons of key aspects of organoid generation, and performed functional characterisation assays. We then summarised the approaches taken for different models and analysed the application of small molecules and growth factors used to achieve organoid regionalisation. Finally, we analysed articles for organoid cell type compositions, the reported time points per cell type, and for immunofluorescence markers used to characterise different cell types. RESULTS Calcium imaging and patch clamp analysis were the most frequently used neuronal activity assays in brain organoids. Neural activity was shown in all analysed models, yet network activity was age, model, and assay dependent. Induction of dorsal forebrain organoids was primarily achieved through combined (dual) SMAD and Wnt signalling inhibition. Ventral forebrain organoid induction was performed with dual SMAD and Wnt signalling inhibition, together with additional activation of the Shh pathway. Cerebral organoids and dorsal forebrain model presented the most cell types between days 35 and 60. At 84 days, dorsal forebrain organoids contain astrocytes and potentially oligodendrocytes. Immunofluorescence analysis showed cell type-specific application of non-exclusive markers for multiple cell types. CONCLUSIONS We provide an easily accessible overview of human brain organoid cultures, which may help those working with brain organoids to define their choice of model, culture time, functional assay, differentiation, and characterisation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance A Mulder
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department Medical Microbiology, OrganoVIR Labs, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Josse A Depla
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department Medical Microbiology, OrganoVIR Labs, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adithya Sridhar
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department Medical Microbiology, OrganoVIR Labs, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Katja Wolthers
- Department Medical Microbiology, OrganoVIR Labs, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dasja Pajkrt
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department Medical Microbiology, OrganoVIR Labs, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Renata Vieira de Sá
- Department Medical Microbiology, OrganoVIR Labs, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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20
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Liu S, Kumari S, He H, Mishra P, Singh BN, Singh D, Liu S, Srivastava P, Li C. Biosensors integrated 3D organoid/organ-on-a-chip system: A real-time biomechanical, biophysical, and biochemical monitoring and characterization. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 231:115285. [PMID: 37058958 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
As a full-fidelity simulation of human cells, tissues, organs, and even systems at the microscopic scale, Organ-on-a-Chip (OOC) has significant ethical advantages and development potential compared to animal experiments. The need for the design of new drug high-throughput screening platforms and the mechanistic study of human tissues/organs under pathological conditions, the evolving advances in 3D cell biology and engineering, etc., have promoted the updating of technologies in this field, such as the iteration of chip materials and 3D printing, which in turn facilitate the connection of complex multi-organs-on-chips for simulation and the further development of technology-composite new drug high-throughput screening platforms. As the most critical part of organ-on-a-chip design and practical application, verifying the success of organ model modeling, i.e., evaluating various biochemical and physical parameters in OOC devices, is crucial. Therefore, this paper provides a logical and comprehensive review and discussion of the advances in organ-on-a-chip detection and evaluation technologies from a broad perspective, covering the directions of tissue engineering scaffolds, microenvironment, single/multi-organ function, and stimulus-based evaluation, and provides a more comprehensive review of the progress in the significant organ-on-a-chip research areas in the physiological state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Shikha Kumari
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hongyi He
- West China School of Medicine & West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Parichita Mishra
- Department of Ageing Research, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhisham Narayan Singh
- Department of Ageing Research, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Divakar Singh
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sutong Liu
- Juxing College of Digital Economics, Haikou University of Economics, Haikou, 570100, China
| | - Pradeep Srivastava
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Chenzhong Li
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong(Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518172, China.
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21
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Zilio F, Lavazza A. Consciousness in a Rotor? Science and Ethics of Potentially Conscious Human Cerebral Organoids. AJOB Neurosci 2023; 14:178-196. [PMID: 36794285 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2023.2173329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Human cerebral organoids are three-dimensional biological cultures grown in the laboratory to mimic as closely as possible the cellular composition, structure, and function of the corresponding organ, the brain. For now, cerebral organoids lack blood vessels and other characteristics of the human brain, but are also capable of having coordinated electrical activity. They have been usefully employed for the study of several diseases and the development of the nervous system in unprecedented ways. Research on human cerebral organoids is proceeding at a very fast pace and their complexity is bound to improve. This raises the question of whether cerebral organoids will also be able to develop the unique feature of the human brain, consciousness. If this is the case, some ethical issues would arise. In this article, we discuss the necessary neural correlates and constraints for the emergence of consciousness according to some of the most debated neuroscientific theories. Based on this, we consider what the moral status of a potentially conscious brain organoid might be, in light of ethical and ontological arguments. We conclude by proposing a precautionary principle and some leads for further investigation. In particular, we consider the outcomes of some very recent experiments as entities of a potential new kind.
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22
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Niikawa T, Hayashi Y, Sawai T. A Teleological Approach to the Ontological Status of Human Cerebral Organoids. AJOB Neurosci 2023; 14:204-206. [PMID: 37097869 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2023.2188304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
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23
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Lavazza A, Chinaia AA. Human cerebral organoids: the ethical stance of scientists. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:59. [PMID: 37005693 PMCID: PMC10068143 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03291-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human cerebral organoids (HCOs) offer unprecedented opportunities to study the human brain in vitro, but they also raise important ethical concerns. Here we report the first systematic analysis of scientists' stance within the ethical debate. METHOD Twenty-one in-depth semi-structured interviews were analyzed through a constant comparative method to highlight how the ethical concerns filter in the laboratory. RESULTS The results suggest that the potential emergence of consciousness is not yet seen with concern. However, there are some features of HCO research that need to be better accounted for. Communication to the public, the use of terms such as "mini-brains", and informed consent appear to be the most pressing concerns of the scientific community. Nonetheless, respondents generally showed a positive attitude toward the ethical discussion, recognizing its value and the necessity of constant ethical scrutiny over scientific advancements. CONCLUSIONS This research paves the way for a better-informed dialogue between scientists and ethicists, highlighting the issues to be addressed whenever scholars of different backgrounds and interests meet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lavazza
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta 11, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Alice Andrea Chinaia
- MoMiLab, IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Piazza S. Francesco 19, 55100, Lucca, Italy
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24
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Kodera T, Takeuchi RF, Takahashi S, Suzuki K, Kassai H, Aiba A, Shiozawa S, Okano H, Osakada F. Modeling the marmoset brain using embryonic stem cell-derived cerebral assembloids. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 657:119-127. [PMID: 37002985 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Studying the non-human primate (NHP) brain is required for the translation of rodent research to humans, but remains a challenge for molecular, cellular, and circuit-level analyses in the NHP brain due to the lack of in vitro NHP brain system. Here, we report an in vitro NHP cerebral model using marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) embryonic stem cell-derived cerebral assembloids (CAs) that recapitulate inhibitory neuron migration and cortical network activity. Cortical organoids (COs) and ganglionic eminence organoids (GEOs) were induced from cjESCs and fused to generate CAs. GEO cells expressing the inhibitory neuron marker LHX6 migrated toward the cortical side of CAs. COs developed their spontaneous neural activity from a synchronized pattern to an unsynchronized pattern as COs matured. CAs containing excitatory and inhibitory neurons showed mature neural activity with an unsynchronized pattern. The CAs represent a powerful in vitro model for studying excitatory and inhibitory neuron interactions, cortical dynamics, and their dysfunction. The marmoset assembloid system will provide an in vitro platform for the NHP neurobiology and facilitate translation into humans in neuroscience research, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery.
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25
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Jowitt J. On the Legal Status of Human Cerebral Organoids: Lessons from Animal Law. Camb Q Healthc Ethics 2023; 32:1-10. [PMID: 36799028 DOI: 10.1017/s0963180122000858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper will ask whether the legal status presently afforded to nonhuman animals ought to influence regulatory debates concerning human cerebral organoids. The New York Courts recently refused to grant a writ of habeas corpus to Happy the Elephant as she was property rather than a legal person while at the same time accepting that she is a moral patient deserving of rights protection. An undesirable situation has therefore arisen in which the law holds a being with moral status to be incapable of benefitting from legal redress due to their legal status as property.The author argues that this is something that we ought to avoid when designing the regulatory framework which will govern the use of human cerebral organoids. Yet, a difference exists in that, whereas the judges already accept Happy is a moral patient, there is presently no consensus around the moral status of organoids. This paper will consider whether human cerebral organoids have passed the moral threshold of sentience. If they have, or are close to doing so, regulators ought to consider their legal status in advance so as to ensure that adequate limitations are placed on this usage so as to avoid unethical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Jowitt
- Newcastle Law School, 19-24 Windsor Terrace, Newcastle upon TyneNE1 7RU, UK
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26
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Dixon TA, Muotri AR. Advancing preclinical models of psychiatric disorders with human brain organoid cultures. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:83-95. [PMID: 35948659 PMCID: PMC9812789 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01708-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are often distinguished from neurological disorders in that the former do not have characteristic lesions or findings from cerebrospinal fluid, electroencephalograms (EEGs), or brain imaging, and furthermore do not have commonly recognized convergent mechanisms. Psychiatric disorders commonly involve clinical diagnosis of phenotypic behavioral disturbances of mood and psychosis, often with a poorly understood contribution of environmental factors. As such, psychiatric disease has been challenging to model preclinically for mechanistic understanding and pharmaceutical development. This review compares commonly used animal paradigms of preclinical testing with evolving techniques of induced pluripotent cell culture with a focus on emerging three-dimensional models. Advances in complexity of 3D cultures, recapitulating electrical activity in utero, and disease modeling of psychosis, mood, and environmentally induced disorders are reviewed. Insights from these rapidly expanding technologies are discussed as they pertain to the utility of human organoid and other models in finding novel research directions, validating pharmaceutical action, and recapitulating human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Anthony Dixon
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Alysson R. Muotri
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Pediatrics and Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA), Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, Archealization Center (ArchC), La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
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27
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Kim JT, Kim TY, Youn DH, Han SW, Park CH, Lee Y, Jung H, Rhim JK, Park JJ, Ahn JH, Kim HC, Cho SM, Jeon JP. Human embryonic stem cell-derived cerebral organoids for treatment of mild traumatic brain injury in a mouse model. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 635:169-178. [PMID: 36274367 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There are no effective treatments for relieving neuronal dysfunction after mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Here, we evaluated therapeutic efficacy of human embryonic stem cell-derived cerebral organoids (hCOs) in a mild TBI model, in terms of repair of damaged cortical regions, neurogenesis, and improved cognitive function. METHODS Male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into sham-operated, mild TBI, and mild TBI with hCO groups. hCOs cultured at 8 weeks were used for transplantation. Mice were sacrificed at 7 and 14 days after transplantation followed by immunofluorescence staining, cytokine profile microarray, and novel object recognition test. RESULTS 8W-hCOs transplantation significantly reduced neuronal cell death, recovered microvessel density, and promoted neurogenesis in the ipsilateral subventricular zone and dentate gyrus of hippocampus after mild TBI. In addition, increased angiogenesis into the engrafted hCOs was observed. Microarray results of hCOs revealed neuronal differentiation potential and higher expression of early brain development proteins associated with neurogenesis, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling. Ultimately, 8W-hCO transplantation resulted in reconstruction of damaged cortex and improvement in cognitive function after mild TBI. CONCLUSION hCO transplantation may be feasible for treating mild TBI-related neuronal dysfunction via reconstruction of damaged cortex and neurogenesis in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Tae Kim
- Institute of New Frontier Research, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Tae Yeon Kim
- Institute of New Frontier Research, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Dong Hyuk Youn
- Institute of New Frontier Research, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Sung Woo Han
- Institute of New Frontier Research, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Chan Hum Park
- Institute of New Frontier Research, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Younghyurk Lee
- Institute of New Frontier Research, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Harry Jung
- Institute of New Frontier Research, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Jong Kook Rhim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Jeong Jin Park
- Department of Neurology, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jun Hyong Ahn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Heung Cheol Kim
- Department of Radiology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Sung Min Cho
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, South Korea.
| | - Jin Pyeong Jeon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea.
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28
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Kagan BJ, Kitchen AC, Tran NT, Habibollahi F, Khajehnejad M, Parker BJ, Bhat A, Rollo B, Razi A, Friston KJ. In vitro neurons learn and exhibit sentience when embodied in a simulated game-world. Neuron 2022; 110:3952-3969.e8. [PMID: 36228614 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Integrating neurons into digital systems may enable performance infeasible with silicon alone. Here, we develop DishBrain, a system that harnesses the inherent adaptive computation of neurons in a structured environment. In vitro neural networks from human or rodent origins are integrated with in silico computing via a high-density multielectrode array. Through electrophysiological stimulation and recording, cultures are embedded in a simulated game-world, mimicking the arcade game "Pong." Applying implications from the theory of active inference via the free energy principle, we find apparent learning within five minutes of real-time gameplay not observed in control conditions. Further experiments demonstrate the importance of closed-loop structured feedback in eliciting learning over time. Cultures display the ability to self-organize activity in a goal-directed manner in response to sparse sensory information about the consequences of their actions, which we term synthetic biological intelligence. Future applications may provide further insights into the cellular correlates of intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nhi T Tran
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Forough Habibollahi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Moein Khajehnejad
- Department of Data Science and AI, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bradyn J Parker
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anjali Bhat
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ben Rollo
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adeel Razi
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada
| | - Karl J Friston
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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29
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Wysmolek PM, Kiessler FD, Salbaum KA, Shelton ER, Sonntag SM, Serwane F. A minimal-complexity light-sheet microscope maps network activity in 3D neuronal systems. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20420. [PMID: 36443413 PMCID: PMC9705530 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24350-y] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro systems mimicking brain regions, brain organoids, are revolutionizing the neuroscience field. However, characterization of their electrical activity has remained a challenge as it requires readout at millisecond timescale in 3D at single-neuron resolution. While custom-built microscopes used with genetically encoded sensors are now opening this door, a full 3D characterization of organoid neural activity has not been performed yet, limited by the combined complexity of the optical and the biological system. Here, we introduce an accessible minimalistic light-sheet microscope to the neuroscience community. Designed as an add-on to a standard inverted microscope it can be assembled within one day. In contrast to existing simplistic setups, our platform is suited to record volumetric calcium traces. We successfully extracted 4D calcium traces at high temporal resolution by using a lightweight piezo stage to allow for 5 Hz volumetric scanning combined with a processing pipeline for true 3D neuronal trace segmentation. As a proof of principle, we created a 3D connectivity map of a stem cell derived neuron spheroid by imaging its activity. Our fast, low complexity setup empowers researchers to study the formation of neuronal networks in vitro for fundamental and neurodegeneration research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina M. Wysmolek
- grid.414703.50000 0001 2202 0959Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Filippo D. Kiessler
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XFaculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja A. Salbaum
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XFaculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany ,Graduate School of Systemic Neuroscience (GSN), Munich, Germany
| | - Elijah R. Shelton
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XFaculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Selina M. Sonntag
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XFaculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Friedhelm Serwane
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XFaculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany ,Graduate School of Systemic Neuroscience (GSN), Munich, Germany ,grid.452617.3Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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30
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Amorós MA, Choi ES, Cofré AR, Dokholyan NV, Duzzioni M. Motor neuron-derived induced pluripotent stem cells as a drug screening platform for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:962881. [PMID: 36105357 PMCID: PMC9467621 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.962881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of cell culture models that recapitulate the etiology and features of nervous system diseases is central to the discovery of new drugs and their translation onto therapies. Neuronal tissues are inaccessible due to skeletal constraints and the invasiveness of the procedure to obtain them. Thus, the emergence of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology offers the opportunity to model different neuronal pathologies. Our focus centers on iPSCs derived from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, whose pathology remains in urgent need of new drugs and treatment. In this sense, we aim to revise the process to obtain motor neurons derived iPSCs (iPSC-MNs) from patients with ALS as a drug screening model, review current 3D-models and offer a perspective on bioinformatics as a powerful tool that can aid in the progress of finding new pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana A. Amorós
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Innovation, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Esther S. Choi
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Axel R. Cofré
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Innovation, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Nikolay V. Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Marcelo Duzzioni
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Innovation, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
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31
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Sharf T, van der Molen T, Glasauer SMK, Guzman E, Buccino AP, Luna G, Cheng Z, Audouard M, Ranasinghe KG, Kudo K, Nagarajan SS, Tovar KR, Petzold LR, Hierlemann A, Hansma PK, Kosik KS. Functional neuronal circuitry and oscillatory dynamics in human brain organoids. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4403. [PMID: 35906223 PMCID: PMC9338020 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32115-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human brain organoids replicate much of the cellular diversity and developmental anatomy of the human brain. However, the physiology of neuronal circuits within organoids remains under-explored. With high-density CMOS microelectrode arrays and shank electrodes, we captured spontaneous extracellular activity from brain organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. We inferred functional connectivity from spike timing, revealing a large number of weak connections within a skeleton of significantly fewer strong connections. A benzodiazepine increased the uniformity of firing patterns and decreased the relative fraction of weakly connected edges. Our analysis of the local field potential demonstrate that brain organoids contain neuronal assemblies of sufficient size and functional connectivity to co-activate and generate field potentials from their collective transmembrane currents that phase-lock to spiking activity. These results point to the potential of brain organoids for the study of neuropsychiatric diseases, drug action, and the effects of external stimuli upon neuronal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Sharf
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA. .,Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA. .,Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.
| | - Tjitse van der Molen
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.,Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Stella M K Glasauer
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.,Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Elmer Guzman
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.,Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Alessio P Buccino
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Luna
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.,Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Zhuowei Cheng
- Department of Computer Science, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Morgane Audouard
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.,Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Kamalini G Ranasinghe
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Kiwamu Kudo
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Srikantan S Nagarajan
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Kenneth R Tovar
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Linda R Petzold
- Department of Computer Science, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Andreas Hierlemann
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paul K Hansma
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.,Department of Physics, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Kenneth S Kosik
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA. .,Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
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32
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Huang B, He Y, Rofaani E, Liang F, Huang X, Shi J, Wang L, Yamada A, Peng J, Chen Y. Automatic differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells toward synchronous neural networks on an arrayed monolayer of nanofiber membrane. Acta Biomater 2022; 150:168-180. [PMID: 35907558 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Automatic differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) facilitates the generation of cortical neural networks and studies of brain functions. Here, we present a method of directed differentiation of hiPSCs with a substrate made of a honeycomb microframe and a monolayer of crosslinked gelatin nanofibers in the form of an array of nanofiber membranes. Neural precursor cells (NPCs) were firstly derived from hiPSCs and then placed on the nanofiber membranes for automatically controlled neural differentiation over a long period. Due to the strong modulation of the substrate stiffness and permeability, most cells were found in the center area of the honeycomb compartments, giving rise to regular and inter-connected cortical neural clusters. More importantly, the neural activities of the clusters were synchronized proving the reliability of the method. Our results showed that the self-organization, as well as the neural activities of differentiating neural cells, were more efficient in the nanofiber membrane compared to the types of the substrate such as glass and nanofiber-covered glass. In addition to the inherent advantages such as manpower saving and fewer risks of contamination and human error, automatic differentiation avoided undesired shaking which might have critical effects on the formation of synchronous neural clusters. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Synchronization of cortical neural activities is essential for information processing and human cognition. By automated differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells on arrayed monolayer of nanofiber membrane, synchronous neural clusters could be formed. Such an approach would allow creating a variety of neural networks with regular and interconnected clusters for systematic studies of human cortical functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boxin Huang
- PASTEUR, Département de chimie, École normale supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Yong He
- PASTEUR, Département de chimie, École normale supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Elrade Rofaani
- PASTEUR, Département de chimie, École normale supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Feng Liang
- PASTEUR, Département de chimie, École normale supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Xiaochen Huang
- PASTEUR, Département de chimie, École normale supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jian Shi
- MesoBioTech, 231 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001, Paris, France
| | - Li Wang
- MesoBioTech, 231 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001, Paris, France
| | - Ayako Yamada
- PASTEUR, Département de chimie, École normale supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Juan Peng
- PASTEUR, Département de chimie, École normale supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Yong Chen
- PASTEUR, Département de chimie, École normale supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France.
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Schröter M, Wang C, Terrigno M, Hornauer P, Huang Z, Jagasia R, Hierlemann A. Functional imaging of brain organoids using high-density microelectrode arrays. MRS BULLETIN 2022; 47:530-544. [PMID: 36120104 PMCID: PMC9474390 DOI: 10.1557/s43577-022-00282-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Studies have provided evidence that human cerebral organoids (hCOs) recapitulate fundamental milestones of early brain development, but many important questions regarding their functionality and electrophysiological properties persist. High-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) represent an attractive analysis platform to perform functional studies of neuronal networks at the cellular and network scale. Here, we use HD-MEAs to derive large-scale electrophysiological recordings from sliced hCOs. We record the activity of hCO slices over several weeks and probe observed neuronal dynamics pharmacologically. Moreover, we present results on how the obtained recordings can be spike-sorted and subsequently studied across scales. For example, we show how to track single neurons across several days on the HD-MEA and how to infer axonal action potential velocities. We also infer putative functional connectivity from hCO recordings. The introduced methodology will contribute to a better understanding of developing neuronal networks in brain organoids and provide new means for their functional characterization. IMPACT STATEMENT Human cerebral organoids (hCOs) represent an attractive in vitro model system to study key physiological mechanisms underlying early neuronal network formation in tissue with healthy or disease-related genetic backgrounds. Despite remarkable advances in the generation of brain organoids, knowledge on the functionality of their neuronal circuits is still scarce. Here, we used complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-based high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) to perform large-scale recordings from sliced hCOs over several weeks and quantified their activity across scales. Using single-cell and network metrics, we were able to probe aspects of hCO neurophysiology that are more difficult to obtain with other techniques, such as patch clamping (lower yield) and calcium imaging (lower temporal resolution). These metrics included, for example, extracellular action potential (AP) waveform features and axonal AP velocity at the cellular level, as well as functional connectivity at the network level. Analysis was enabled by the large sensing area and the high spatiotemporal resolution provided by HD-MEAs, which allowed recordings from hundreds of neurons and spike sorting of their activity. Our results demonstrate that HD-MEAs provide a multi-purpose platform for the functional characterization of hCOs, which will be key in improving our understanding of this model system and assessing its relevance for translational research. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1557/s43577-022-00282-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Schröter
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Congwei Wang
- NRD, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Terrigno
- NRD, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Hornauer
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ziqiang Huang
- EMBL Imaging Centre, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ravi Jagasia
- NRD, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hierlemann
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
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Zhang Z, O'Laughlin R, Song H, Ming GL. Patterning of brain organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 74:102536. [PMID: 35405627 PMCID: PMC9167774 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The emerging technology of brain organoids deriving from human pluripotent stem cells provides unprecedented opportunities to study human brain development and associated disorders. Various brain organoid protocols have been developed that can recapitulate some key features of cell type diversity, cytoarchitectural organization, developmental processes, functions, and pathologies of the developing human brain. In this review, we focus on patterning of human stem cell-derived brain organoids. We start with an overview of general procedures to generate brain organoids. We then highlight some recently developed brain organoid protocols and chemical cues involved in modeling development of specific human brain regions, subregions, and multiple regions together. We also discuss limitations and potential future improvements of human brain organoid technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Richard O'Laughlin
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Epigenetics Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. https://twitter.com/UPenn_SongMing
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Parmentier T, James FMK, Hewitson E, Bailey C, Werry N, Sheridan SD, Perlis RH, Perreault ML, Gaitero L, Lalonde J, LaMarre J. Human cerebral spheroids undergo 4-aminopyridine-induced, activity associated changes in cellular composition and microrna expression. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9143. [PMID: 35650420 PMCID: PMC9160269 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13071-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Activity-induced neurogenesis has been extensively studied in rodents but the lack of ante mortem accessibility to human brain at the cellular and molecular levels limits studies of the process in humans. Using cerebral spheroids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), we investigated the effects of 4-aminopyridine (4AP) on neuronal activity and associated neurogenesis. Our studies demonstrate that 4AP increases neuronal activity in 3-month-old cerebral spheroids while increasing numbers of new neurons and decreasing the population of new glial cells. We also observed a significant decrease in the expression of miR-135a, which has previously been shown to be decreased in exercise-induced neurogenesis. Predicted targets of miR-135a include key participants in the SMAD2/3 and BDNF pathways. Together, our results suggest that iPSC-derived cerebral spheroids are an attractive model to study several aspects of activity-induced neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Parmentier
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Département de Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Fiona M K James
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Hewitson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Craig Bailey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Nicholas Werry
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Steven D Sheridan
- Center for Quantitative Health, Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Center for Quantitative Health, Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melissa L Perreault
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Luis Gaitero
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jasmin Lalonde
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan LaMarre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
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36
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Angotzi GN, Giantomasi L, Ribeiro JF, Crepaldi M, Vincenzi M, Zito D, Berdondini L. Integrated Micro-Devices for a Lab-in-Organoid Technology Platform: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:842265. [PMID: 35557601 PMCID: PMC9086958 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.842265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancements in stem cell technology together with an improved understanding of in vitro organogenesis have enabled new routes that exploit cell-autonomous self-organization responses of adult stem cells (ASCs) and homogenous pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) to grow complex, three-dimensional (3D), mini-organ like structures on demand, the so-called organoids. Conventional optical and electrical neurophysiological techniques to acquire functional data from brain organoids, however, are not adequate for chronic recordings of neural activity from these model systems, and are not ideal approaches for throughput screenings applied to drug discovery. To overcome these issues, new emerging approaches aim at fusing sensing mechanisms and/or actuating artificial devices within organoids. Here we introduce and develop the concept of the Lab-in-Organoid (LIO) technology for in-tissue sensing and actuation within 3D cell aggregates. This challenging technology grounds on the self-aggregation of brain cells and on integrated bioelectronic micro-scale devices to provide an advanced tool for generating 3D biological brain models with in-tissue artificial functionalities adapted for routine, label-free functional measurements and for assay's development. We complete previously reported results on the implementation of the integrated self-standing wireless silicon micro-devices with experiments aiming at investigating the impact on neuronal spheroids of sinusoidal electro-magnetic fields as those required for wireless power and data transmission. Finally, we discuss the technology headway and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Nicola Angotzi
- Microtechnology for Neuroelectronics Laboratory, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Lidia Giantomasi
- Microtechnology for Neuroelectronics Laboratory, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Joao F. Ribeiro
- Microtechnology for Neuroelectronics Laboratory, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Crepaldi
- Electronic Design Laboratory, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Vincenzi
- Microtechnology for Neuroelectronics Laboratory, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Domenico Zito
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Luca Berdondini
- Microtechnology for Neuroelectronics Laboratory, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
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Kagan BJ, Duc D, Stevens I, Gilbert F. Neurons Embodied in a Virtual World: Evidence for Organoid Ethics? AJOB Neurosci 2022; 13:114-117. [PMID: 35324408 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2022.2048731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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38
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Borghi R, Magliocca V, Trivisano M, Specchio N, Tartaglia M, Bertini E, Compagnucci C. Modeling PCDH19-CE: From 2D Stem Cell Model to 3D Brain Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073506. [PMID: 35408865 PMCID: PMC8998847 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PCDH19 clustering epilepsy (PCDH19-CE) is a genetic disease characterized by a heterogeneous phenotypic spectrum ranging from focal epilepsy with rare seizures and normal cognitive development to severe drug-resistant epilepsy associated with intellectual disability and autism. Unfortunately, little is known about the pathogenic mechanism underlying this disease and an effective treatment is lacking. Studies with zebrafish and murine models have provided insights on the function of PCDH19 during brain development and how its altered function causes the disease, but these models fail to reproduce the human phenotype. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has provided a complementary experimental approach for investigating the pathogenic mechanisms implicated in PCDH19-CE during neurogenesis and studying the pathology in a more physiological three-dimensional (3D) environment through the development of brain organoids. We report on recent progress in the development of human brain organoids with a particular focus on how this 3D model may shed light on the pathomechanisms implicated in PCDH19-CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Borghi
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (V.M.); (M.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Valentina Magliocca
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (V.M.); (M.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Marina Trivisano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Division of Neurology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.T.); (N.S.)
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Department of Neurosciences, Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Division of Neurology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.T.); (N.S.)
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (V.M.); (M.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (V.M.); (M.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Claudia Compagnucci
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (V.M.); (M.T.); (E.B.)
- Correspondence:
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39
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Fei K, Zhang J, Yuan J, Xiao P. Present Application and Perspectives of Organoid Imaging Technology. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:121. [PMID: 35324810 PMCID: PMC8945799 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9030121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An organoid is a miniaturized and simplified in vitro model with a similar structure and function to a real organ. In recent years, the use of organoids has increased explosively in the field of growth and development, disease simulation, drug screening, cell therapy, etc. In order to obtain necessary information, such as morphological structure, cell function and dynamic signals, it is necessary and important to directly monitor the culture process of organoids. Among different detection technologies, imaging technology is a simple and convenient choice and can realize direct observation and quantitative research. In this review, the principle, advantages and disadvantages of imaging technologies that have been applied in organoids research are introduced. We also offer an overview of prospective technologies for organoid imaging. This review aims to help biologists find appropriate imaging techniques for different areas of organoid research, and also contribute to the development of organoid imaging systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; (K.F.); (J.Z.)
| | - Peng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; (K.F.); (J.Z.)
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40
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Jang H, Kim SH, Koh Y, Yoon KJ. Engineering Brain Organoids: Toward Mature Neural Circuitry with an Intact Cytoarchitecture. Int J Stem Cells 2022; 15:41-59. [PMID: 35220291 PMCID: PMC8889333 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc22004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of brain organoids as a model system has been a tremendously exciting development in the field of neuroscience. Brain organoids are a gateway to exploring the intricacies of human-specific neurogenesis that have so far eluded the neuroscience community. Regardless, current culture methods have a long way to go in terms of accuracy and reproducibility. To perfectly mimic the human brain, we need to recapitulate the complex in vivo context of the human fetal brain and achieve mature neural circuitry with an intact cytoarchitecture. In this review, we explore the major challenges facing the current brain organoid systems, potential technical breakthroughs to advance brain organoid techniques up to levels similar to an in vivo human developing brain, and the future prospects of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunsoo Jang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seo Hyun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Youmin Koh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ki-Jun Yoon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
- KAIST-Wonjin Cell Therapy Center, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
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41
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Tasnim K, Liu J. Emerging Bioelectronics for Brain Organoid Electrophysiology. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167165. [PMID: 34293341 PMCID: PMC8766612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Human brain organoids are generated from three-dimensional (3D) cultures of human induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells, which partially replicate the development and complexity of the human brain. Many methods have been used to characterize the structural and molecular phenotypes of human brain organoids. Further understanding the electrophysiological phenotypes of brain organoids requires advanced electrophysiological measurement technologies to achieve long-term stable 3D recording over the time course of the organoid development with single-cell, millisecond spatiotemporal resolution. In this review, first, we briefly introduce the development, generation, and applications of human brain organoids. We then discuss the conventional methods used for characterizing the morphological, genetic, and electrical properties of brain organoids. Next, we highlight the need for characterizing electrophysiological properties of brain organoids in a minimally invasive manner. In particular, we discuss recent advances in the multi-electrode array (MEA), 3D bioelectronics, and flexible bioelectronics and their applications in brain organoid electrophysiological measurement. In addition, we introduce the recently developed cyborg organoids platform as an emerging tool for the long-term stable 3D characterization of the brain organoids electrophysiology at high spatiotemporal resolution. Finally, we discuss the perspectives of new technologies that could achieve the high-throughput, multimodal characterizations from the same brain organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazi Tasnim
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02134, USA
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02134, USA.
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42
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Human Brain Organoids and Consciousness. NEUROETHICS-NETH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12152-022-09483-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThis article proposes a methodological schema for engaging in a productive discussion of ethical issues regarding human brain organoids (HBOs), which are three-dimensional cortical neural tissues created using human pluripotent stem cells. Although moral consideration of HBOs significantly involves the possibility that they have consciousness, there is no widely accepted procedure to determine whether HBOs are conscious. Given that this is the case, it has been argued that we should adopt a precautionary principle about consciousness according to which, if we are not certain whether HBOs have consciousness—and where treating HBOs as not having consciousness may cause harm to them—we should proceed as if they do have consciousness. This article emphasizes a methodological advantage of adopting the precautionary principle: it enables us to sidestep the question of whether HBOs have consciousness (the whether-question) and, instead, directly address the question of what kinds of conscious experiences HBOs can have (the what-kind-question), where the what-kind-question is more tractable than the whether-question. By addressing the what-kind-question (and, in particular, the question of what kinds of valenced experiences HBOs can have), we will be able to examine how much moral consideration HBOs deserve. With this in mind, this article confronts the what-kind-question with the assistance of experimental studies of consciousness and suggests an ethical framework which supports restricting the creation and use of HBOs in bioscience.
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A Calibration-Free Measurement for Monitoring Cellular Calcium Transients Adaptively. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2022; 194:2236-2250. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-021-03771-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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44
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Cassel de Camps C, Aslani S, Stylianesis N, Nami H, Mohamed NV, Durcan TM, Moraes C. Hydrogel Mechanics Influence the Growth and Development of Embedded Brain Organoids. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:214-224. [PMID: 35014820 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c01047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Brain organoids are three-dimensional, tissue-engineered neural models derived from induced pluripotent stem cells that enable studies of neurodevelopmental and disease processes. Mechanical properties of the microenvironment are known to be critical parameters in tissue engineering, but the mechanical consequences of the encapsulating matrix on brain organoid growth and development remain undefined. Here, Matrigel was modified with an interpenetrating network (IPN) of alginate, to tune the mechanical properties of the encapsulating matrix. Brain organoids grown in IPNs were viable, with the characteristic formation of neuroepithelial buds. However, organoid growth was significantly restricted in the stiffest matrix tested. Moreover, stiffer matrixes skewed cell populations toward mature neuronal phenotypes, with fewer and smaller neural rosettes. These findings demonstrate that the mechanics of the culture environment are important parameters in brain organoid development and show that the self-organizing capacity and subsequent architecture of brain organoids can be modulated by forces arising from growth-induced compression of the surrounding matrix. This study therefore suggests that carefully designing the mechanical properties of organoid encapsulation materials is a potential strategy to direct organoid growth and maturation toward desired structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saba Aslani
- The Neuro's Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montréal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Nicholas Stylianesis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Harris Nami
- The Neuro's Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montréal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Nguyen-Vi Mohamed
- The Neuro's Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montréal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Thomas M Durcan
- The Neuro's Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montréal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada.,Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H3A 1A3, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
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Shnaider TA, Pristyazhnyuk IE. CLARITY and Light-Sheet microscopy sample preparation in application to human cerebral organoids. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2022; 25:889-895. [PMID: 35083408 PMCID: PMC8753532 DOI: 10.18699/vj21.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral organoids are three-dimensional cell-culture systems that represent a unique experimental
model reconstructing early events of human neurogenesis in vitro in health and various pathologies. The most
commonly used approach to studying the morphological parameters of organoids is immunohistochemical
analysis; therefore, the three-dimensional cytoarchitecture of organoids, such as neural networks or asymmetric
internal organization, is difficult to reconstruct using routine approaches. Immunohistochemical analysis of biological
objects
is a universal method in biological research. One of the key stages of this method is the production
of cryo- or paraffin serial sections of samples, which is a very laborious and time-consuming process. In addition,
slices represent
only a tiny part of the object under study; three-dimensional reconstruction from the obtained serial
images is an extremely complex process and often requires expensive special programs for image processing.
Unfortunately, staining and microscopic examination of samples are difficult due to their low permeability and a
high level of autofluorescence. Tissue cleaning technologies combined with Light-Sheet microscopy allows these
challenges to be overcome. CLARITY is one of the tissue preparation techniques that makes it possible to obtain
opaque biological objects transparent while maintaining the integrity of their internal structures. This method is
based on a special sample preparation, during which lipids are removed from cells and replaced with hydrogel
compounds such as acrylamide, while proteins and nucleic acids remain intact. CLARITY provides researchers with
a unique opportunity to study three-dimensional biological structures while preserving their internal organization,
including whole animals or embryos, individual organs and artificially grown organoids, in particular cerebral
organoids. This protocol summarizes an optimization of CLARITY conditions for human brain organoids and the
preparation of Light-Sheet microscopy samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. A. Shnaider
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - I. E. Pristyazhnyuk
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
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Hickey SM, Ung B, Bader C, Brooks R, Lazniewska J, Johnson IRD, Sorvina A, Logan J, Martini C, Moore CR, Karageorgos L, Sweetman MJ, Brooks DA. Fluorescence Microscopy-An Outline of Hardware, Biological Handling, and Fluorophore Considerations. Cells 2021; 11:35. [PMID: 35011596 PMCID: PMC8750338 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescence microscopy has become a critical tool for researchers to understand biological processes at the cellular level. Micrographs from fixed and live-cell imaging procedures feature in a plethora of scientific articles for the field of cell biology, but the complexities of fluorescence microscopy as an imaging tool can sometimes be overlooked or misunderstood. This review seeks to cover the three fundamental considerations when designing fluorescence microscopy experiments: (1) hardware availability; (2) amenability of biological models to fluorescence microscopy; and (3) suitability of imaging agents for intended applications. This review will help equip the reader to make judicious decisions when designing fluorescence microscopy experiments that deliver high-resolution and informative images for cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane M. Hickey
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (C.B.); (R.B.); (J.L.); (I.R.D.J.); (A.S.); (J.L.); (C.M.); (C.R.M.); (L.K.); (M.J.S.); (D.A.B.)
| | - Ben Ung
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (C.B.); (R.B.); (J.L.); (I.R.D.J.); (A.S.); (J.L.); (C.M.); (C.R.M.); (L.K.); (M.J.S.); (D.A.B.)
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Huang B, Peng J, Huang X, Liang F, Wang L, Shi J, Yamada A, Chen Y. Generation of Interconnected Neural Clusters in Multiscale Scaffolds from Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:55939-55952. [PMID: 34788005 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c18465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The development of in vitro neural networks depends to a large extent on the scaffold properties, including the scaffold stiffness, porosity, and dimensionality. Herein, we developed a method to generate interconnected neural clusters in a multiscale scaffold consisting of a honeycomb microframe covered on both sides with a monolayer of cross-linked gelatin nanofibers. Cortical neural precursor cells were first produced from human-induced pluripotent stem cells and then loaded into the scaffold for a long period of differentiation toward cortical neural cells. As a result, neurons and astrocytes self-organized in the scaffold to form clusters in each of the honeycomb compartments with remarkable inter-cluster connections. These cells highly expressed neuron- and astrocyte-specific proteins, including NF200, tau, synapsin I, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, and showed spatially correlated neural activities. Two types of neural clusters, that is, spheroid-like and hourglass-like clusters, were found, indicating the complexity of neural-scaffold interaction and the variability of three-dimensional neural organization. Furthermore, we incorporated a reconstituted basement membrane into the scaffold and performed co-culture of the neural network with brain microvascular endothelial cells. As a proof of concept, an improved neurovascular unit model was tested, showing large astrocytic end-feet on the back side of the endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boxin Huang
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Juan Peng
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Xiaochen Huang
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Feng Liang
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Li Wang
- MesoBioTech, 231 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France
| | - Jian Shi
- MesoBioTech, 231 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France
| | - Ayako Yamada
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Yong Chen
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Université, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
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48
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Lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation disrupts functional connectivity and community structure in primary cortical microtissues. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22303. [PMID: 34785714 PMCID: PMC8595892 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01616-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) neural microtissues are a powerful in vitro paradigm for studying brain development and disease under controlled conditions, while maintaining many key attributes of the in vivo environment. Here, we used primary cortical microtissues to study the effects of neuroinflammation on neural microcircuits. We demonstrated the use of a genetically encoded calcium indicator combined with a novel live-imaging platform to record spontaneous calcium transients in microtissues from day 14-34 in vitro. We implemented graph theory analysis of calcium activity to characterize underlying functional connectivity and community structure of microcircuits, which are capable of capturing subtle changes in network dynamics during early disease states. We found that microtissues cultured for 34 days displayed functional remodeling of microcircuits and that community structure strengthened over time. Lipopolysaccharide, a neuroinflammatory agent, significantly increased functional connectivity and disrupted community structure 5-9 days after exposure. These microcircuit-level changes have broad implications for the role of neuroinflammation in functional dysregulation of neural networks.
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Voitiuk K, Geng J, Keefe MG, Parks DF, Sanso SE, Hawthorne N, Freeman DB, Currie R, Mostajo-Radji MA, Pollen AA, Nowakowski TJ, Salama SR, Teodorescu M, Haussler D. Light-weight electrophysiology hardware and software platform for cloud-based neural recording experiments. J Neural Eng 2021; 18:10.1088/1741-2552/ac310a. [PMID: 34666315 PMCID: PMC8667733 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac310a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective.Neural activity represents a functional readout of neurons that is increasingly important to monitor in a wide range of experiments. Extracellular recordings have emerged as a powerful technique for measuring neural activity because these methods do not lead to the destruction or degradation of the cells being measured. Current approaches to electrophysiology have a low throughput of experiments due to manual supervision and expensive equipment. This bottleneck limits broader inferences that can be achieved with numerous long-term recorded samples.Approach.We developed Piphys, an inexpensive open source neurophysiological recording platform that consists of both hardware and software. It is easily accessed and controlled via a standard web interface through Internet of Things (IoT) protocols.Main results.We used a Raspberry Pi as the primary processing device along with an Intan bioamplifier. We designed a hardware expansion circuit board and software to enable voltage sampling and user interaction. This standalone system was validated with primary human neurons, showing reliability in collecting neural activity in near real-time.Significance.The hardware modules and cloud software allow for remote control of neural recording experiments as well as horizontal scalability, enabling long-term observations of development, organization, and neural activity at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Voitiuk
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Jinghui Geng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Matthew G Keefe
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States of America
| | - David F Parks
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Sebastian E Sanso
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Nico Hawthorne
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Daniel B Freeman
- Universal Audio Inc., Scotts Valley, CA 95066, United States of America
| | - Rob Currie
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States of America
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States of America
| | - Alex A Pollen
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States of America
| | - Tomasz J Nowakowski
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States of America
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States of America
| | - Sofie R Salama
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, United States of America
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - David Haussler
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, United States of America
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
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Lavazza A. 'Consciousnessoids': clues and insights from human cerebral organoids for the study of consciousness. Neurosci Conscious 2021; 7:niab029. [PMID: 34729213 PMCID: PMC8557395 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niab029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cerebral organoids (HCOs) are an in vitro three-dimensional model of early neural development, aimed at modelling and understanding brain development and neurological disorders. In just a few years, there has been a rapid and considerable progress in the attempt to create a brain model capable of showcasing the structure and functions of the human brain. There are still strong limitations to address, including the absence of vascularization that makes it difficult to feed the central layers of organoids. Nevertheless, some important features of the nervous system have recently been observed: HCOs manifest electrical activity, are sensitive to light stimulation and are able to connect to a spinal cord by sending impulses that make a muscle contract. Recent data show that cortical organoid network development at 10 months resembles some preterm babies' electroencephalography (EEG) patterns. In the light of the fast pace of research in this field, one might consider the hypothesis that HCOs might become a living laboratory for studying the emergence of consciousness and investigating its mechanisms and neural correlates. HCOs could be also a benchmark for different neuroscientific theories of consciousness. In this paper, I propose some potential lines of research and offer some clues and insights so as to use HCOs in trying to unveil some puzzles concerning our conscious states. Finally, I consider some relevant ethical issues regarding this specific experimentation on HCOs and conclude that some of them could require strict regulation in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lavazza
- Centro Universitario Internazionale, Via Garbasso, 42, Arezzo 52100, Italy
- University of Pavia, Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Piazza Botta, 11, Pavia 27100, Italy
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