iPSC-derived cells for BBB integrity testing
Brain organoids are three-dimensional, multicellular human neural tissues generated from patient- or donor-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Through directed differentiation and self-organization, iPSCs can be guided toward neural progenitor cells that subsequently develop into diverse populations of neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocyte-lineage cells and, depending on the differentiation protocol, microglia and other neural or vascular components.
By recapitulating key aspects of human brain development, cellular diversity and tissue organization within a three-dimensional environment, brain organoids provide a valuable intermediate experimental model between conventional two-dimensional cell cultures and animal models. Their human cellular origin also enables the study of disease-associated mechanisms in a physiologically relevant context.
Disease Modelling Applications
Brain organoids can be used for human disease modelling and mechanistic studies across a range of neurological disorders, including:
Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
- Lewy body disease
- Multiple sclerosis
Neuroinflammatory Disorders
Brain organoids can also support investigations into neuroinflammation, immune-mediated neuronal injury, glial responses and interactions between neural and immune components, providing opportunities to study disease mechanisms and evaluate potential therapeutic approaches.