Quantifying differentiation of progenitor populations using cerebral organoid models for neurodevelopmental disorders

STAR Protoc. 2024 Mar 15;5(1):102904. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.102904. Epub 2024 Feb 29.

Abstract

Neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by complex phenotypes that often result from concomitant dysregulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, or other crucial developmental processes. Here, we present a protocol to quantify differentiation of progenitor populations during early stages of neurogenesis in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cerebral organoids. We describe steps for organoid differentiation and maturation, sample preparation, immunofluorescence, and imaging and analysis using epifluorescence microscopy. This protocol can be used to compare cerebral organoids from control and patient-derived iPSCs. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Rakotomamonjy et al. (2023).1.

Keywords: Cell Differentiation; Microscopy; Neuroscience; Organoids; Stem Cells.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells*
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders*
  • Neurogenesis / genetics
  • Organoids