How well do brain organoids capture your brain?

Jonghun Kim; Gareth J Sullivan; In-Hyun Park

doi:10.1016/j.isci.2021.102063

How well do brain organoids capture your brain?

iScience. 2021 Jan 19;24(2):102063. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102063. eCollection 2021 Feb 19.

Authors

Jonghun Kim¹, Gareth J Sullivan², In-Hyun Park¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
² Department of Molecular Medicine, Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo 0424, Norway.

Abstract

Brain organoids closely recapitulate many features and characteristics of in vivo brain tissue. This technology in turn allows unprecedented possibilities to investigate brain development and function in the dish. Several brain organoid protocols have been established, and the studies have focused on validating the architecture, cellular composition, and function of the organoids. In future, the improved and advanced organoid models will enable us to understand cellular and molecular features of the developing brain. However, several obstacles, such as the quality of the organoids, 3D structural analysis, and measurement of the neural connectivity need to be improved. In this perspective, we will provide an overview of the current state of the art of the brain organoid field, with a focus on protocols and organoid characterization. Additionally, we will address the current limitations of this evolving field and provide an understanding of the current brain organoid landscape and insight toward the next steps.

Keywords: neuroscience; tissue engineering.

Publication types

Review

Abstract

Publication types

Grants and funding