Neural Organoids, a Versatile Model for Neuroscience

Mol Cells. 2022 Feb 28;45(2):53-64. doi: 10.14348/molcells.2022.2019.

Abstract

Three-dimensional cultures of human neural tissue/organlike structures in vitro can be achieved by mimicking the developmental processes occurring in vivo. Rapid progress in the field of neural organoids has fueled the hope (and hype) for improved understanding of brain development and functions, modeling of neural diseases, discovery of new drugs, and supply of surrogate sources of transplantation. In this short review, we summarize the state-of-the-art applications of this fascinating tool in various research fields and discuss the reality of the technique hoping that the current limitations will soon be overcome by the efforts of ingenious researchers.

Keywords: central nervous system; human pluripotent stem cells; in vitro modeling; neurodevelopment; neurological disorders; organoid.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Diseases*
  • Organoids*