iPSC-derived Cortical Neuron Generation Service

Cortical neurons are the principal neurons found in the cerebral cortex of the brain. The cortex is responsible for higher cognitive functions like conscious thought, perception, memory, and reasoning. Cortical neurons utilize the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate.

These neurons can be derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) via directed differentiation protocols. iPSCs are reprogrammed from somatic cells like skin or blood cells back into a pluripotent stem cell state that can then be guided to become cortical neuron progenitors and mature neurons.

Key Advantages of iPSC-derived Cortical Neurons

• Renewable source avoiding the use of primary fetal/animal neurons

iPSCs provide an unlimited and ethically uncontroversial source of human cortical neurons.

• Obtain homogeneous populations of cortical neurons

Differentiation from iPSC lines can produce pure cultures of defined cortical neurons.

• Generate patient-specific neurons to model cortical diseases

iPSCs from patients allow producing cortical neurons carrying disease-relevant genetic backgrounds.

• Recreate cortical development and neurogenesis in a dish

Enables studying molecular mechanisms governing cortical neuron specification and maturation.

• Screen for compounds modulating cortical neuron function

Useful for high-throughput drug screening on cortical neuron physiology and synaptic activity.

Applications of iPSC-derived Cortical Neurons In Research

• Modeling cortical brain disorders like autism and schizophrenia

Study patient cortical neurons with mutations/variants linked to neurodevelopmental disorders.

• Investigating cortical neuron connectivity and network formation

Examine activity, synaptic communication, and network properties of cortical neuron cultures.

• Testing potential cognitive enhancers and neuroprotective drugs

Screen small molecules that influence cortical neuron health, synaptic plasticity, and firing.

• Understanding human cortical development and evolution

Explore molecular pathways and cellular interactions underlying human-specific cortical traits.

Common Techniques Utilize iPSC-derived Cortical Neurons

• Differentiation and maturation assays

Quantify expression of cortical markers, neurite outgrowth, and electrophysiological maturation.

• Co-culture systems with glia or other neuronal subtypes

Reconstitute cortical microenvironments by combining multiple neural cell types.

• Synaptic function and network activity assays

Measure synaptic integrity, neurotransmitter release, and spontaneous/evoked neuronal firing.

• Transcriptomics and epigenetic profiling

RNA-seq and epigenetic assays to define developmental stage and cortical subtype identity.

• High-content imaging and machine-learning analysis

Automated quantification of cellular phenotypes, neurite morphology, and network properties.

Cortical Neuron Deficits Are Implicated In

• Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)

Disruptions in cortical neuron development, migration, and connectivity linked to ASD.

• Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders

Abnormalities in cortical neuron synaptic pruning and dysregulated neurotransmission implicated.

• Intellectual disability and developmental delay

Genetic variants impacting cortical neurogenesis and maturation can cause cognitive deficits.

• Neurodegenerative dementias like Alzheimer's disease

Cortical neuron loss and dysfunction contribute to cognitive decline in later stages.

iPSC models enable studying cortical neuron phenotypes associated with genetic variants. Researchers can evaluate disease mechanisms, screen for therapeutics promoting neuron survival/function, and assess gene editing approaches.

Creative Biolabs offers model systems of differentiated cortical neurons derived from iPSC cultures. We also provide assay services including immunostaining with our validated antibody product line. Let us guide you through your experimental investigations and help advance your understanding of neural development and connectivity.

Reference

1. Chapman, Gareth et al. "Using induced pluripotent stem cells to investigate human neuronal phenotypes in 1q21.1 deletion and duplication syndrome." Mol Psychiatry. 2022;27(2):819-830. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0. The original image was modified.