Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2019, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (9): 1515-1516.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.255966

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Spinal cord organoids add an extra dimension to traditional motor neuron cultures

Winanto 1, Zi-Jian Khong 2, Jin-Hui Hor 3, Shi-Yan Ng 4   

  1. 1 Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, Singapore;
    2 School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore;
    3 Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore;
    4 Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (Physiology), National University of Singapore, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore; The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
  • Online:2019-09-15 Published:2019-09-15
  • Contact: Shi-Yan Ng, PhD, syng@imcb.a-star.edu.sg.

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Abstract:

Since Lancaster et al. first described the formation of self-organizing cerebral organoids for modeling neurodevelopmental disorders, it became evident that three-dimensional (3D) neural organoid cultures are more superior systems for modeling neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration in human. The use of a spinning bioreactor to grow organoids allows better nutrient absorption and enhances formation of neuroepithelial-like zones, making it a great tool to study neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. Neural organoids are 3D cell culture systems formed by proliferating, differentiating, migrating and self-organizing pools of neural progenitors. They mimic brain structures in their cell type composition, cytoarchitecture, and to some extent maturity and functionality.