Cerebral organoids and their potential for studies of brain diseases in domestic animals

Vet Res. 2021 May 3;52(1):65. doi: 10.1186/s13567-021-00931-z.

Abstract

The brain is a complex organ and any model for studying it in its normal and pathological aspects becomes a tool of choice for neuroscientists. The mastering and dissemination of protocols allowing brain organoids development have paved the way for a whole range of new studies in the field of brain development, modeling of neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental diseases, understanding tumors as well as infectious diseases that affect the brain. While studies are so far limited to the use of human cerebral organoids, there is a growing interest in having similar models in other species. This review presents what is currently developed in this field, with a particular focus on the potential of cerebral organoids for studying neuro-infectious diseases in human and domestic animals.

Keywords: Brain; Cerebral organoids; Domestic animals; Encephalitis; Neurotropic virus; Pluripotent stem cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Domestic*
  • Brain Diseases* / pathology
  • Brain Diseases* / physiopathology
  • Brain* / pathology
  • Brain* / physiology
  • Brain* / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Organoids* / pathology
  • Organoids* / physiology
  • Organoids* / physiopathology