Resolving Neurodevelopmental and Vision Disorders Using Organoid Single-Cell Multi-omics

Neuron. 2020 Sep 23;107(6):1000-1013. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.09.001.

Abstract

Human organoid models of the central nervous system, including the neural retina, are providing unprecedented opportunities to explore human neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration in controlled culture environments. In this Perspective, we discuss how the single-cell multi-omic toolkit has been used to identify features and limitations of brain and retina organoids and how these tools can be deployed to study congenital brain malformations and vision disorders in organoids. We also address how to improve brain and retina organoid protocols to revolutionize in vitro disease modeling.

Keywords: cerebral organoids; disease modeling; retinal organoids; single-cell genomics; stem cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genomics / methods*
  • Humans
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders / genetics
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders / metabolism*
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders / pathology
  • Organoids / growth & development
  • Organoids / metabolism*
  • Organoids / pathology
  • Primary Cell Culture / methods*
  • Single-Cell Analysis / methods*
  • Vision Disorders / genetics
  • Vision Disorders / metabolism*
  • Vision Disorders / pathology