Translational potential of human brain organoids

Ann Clin Transl Neurol. 2018 Jan 20;5(2):226-235. doi: 10.1002/acn3.505. eCollection 2018 Feb.

Abstract

The recent technology of 3D cultures of cellular aggregates derived from human stem cells have led to the emergence of tissue-like structures of various organs including the brain. Brain organoids bear molecular and structural resemblance with developing human brains, and have been demonstrated to recapitulate several physiological and pathological functions of the brain. Here we provide an overview of the development of brain organoids for the clinical community, focusing on the current status of the field with an critical evaluation of its translational value.

Grants and funding

This work was funded by Singapore National Research Foundation under its Translational and Clinical Research Flagship Programme grant ; Singapore Ministry of Health’s National Medical Research Council grant ; National Medical Research Council grant .