Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Organoids in Advancing Neuropathology Research and Therapies

Cells. 2024 Apr 25;13(9):745. doi: 10.3390/cells13090745.

Abstract

This review delves into the groundbreaking impact of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and three-dimensional organoid models in propelling forward neuropathology research. With a focus on neurodegenerative diseases, neuromotor disorders, and related conditions, iPSCs provide a platform for personalized disease modeling, holding significant potential for regenerative therapy and drug discovery. The adaptability of iPSCs, along with associated methodologies, enables the generation of various types of neural cell differentiations and their integration into three-dimensional organoid models, effectively replicating complex tissue structures in vitro. Key advancements in organoid and iPSC generation protocols, alongside the careful selection of donor cell types, are emphasized as critical steps in harnessing these technologies to mitigate tumorigenic risks and other hurdles. Encouragingly, iPSCs show promising outcomes in regenerative therapies, as evidenced by their successful application in animal models.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Parkinson’s disease; epilepsy; iPSCs; organoids; spinal cord injury.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells* / cytology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / pathology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / therapy
  • Neuropathology / methods
  • Organoids* / pathology
  • Regenerative Medicine / methods

Grants and funding

This research was funded by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)—Brazil, Finance Code 001.