Motor Neurons Phenotypic Screening Assay

Motor neurons are a specialized group of neurons responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system (CNS) to muscles, allowing for voluntary movement. Dysfunction of motor neurons can lead to various neurological disorders, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The study of motor neurons and their associated diseases has been the focus of intense research in recent years. Creative Biolabs has developed a cutting-edge Motor Neurons Phenotypic Screening Assay, which can be used for in vitro disease modeling and drug screening.

Culture of Human iPSC-derived Motor Neurons

Creative Biolabs has established a robust protocol for the culture of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons. These motor neurons are derived from patient-specific iPSCs, allowing for the study of disease-specific phenotypes. The protocol involves the differentiation of iPSCs into motor neurons using a combination of growth factors and small molecules.

Fig. 1 General Protocol for Neuron Production

Characterization of Human iPSC-derived Motor Neurons

Creative Biolabs employs a range of techniques to characterize human iPSC-derived motor neurons. Immunostaining is used to confirm the expression of motor neuron-specific markers, including FoxP1, ChAT, and MAP2. Electrophysiological recordings are used to confirm the functionality of the motor neurons. Additionally, gene expression analysis can be used to assess the expression of genes associated with motor neuron development and function.

Fig.2 Left: Motor neuron-specific marker proteins; Right: Spontaneous functional activity.

ALS/SMA in vitro Disease Model

ALS and SMA are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately death. Creative Biolabs has developed an in vitro disease model for ALS/SMA using human iPSC-derived motor neurons. This model allows for the study of disease-specific phenotypes and the screening of potential therapeutic compounds. The ALS/SMA in vitro disease model is characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons, which can be quantified using immunostaining and electrophysiological recordings.

Fig.3 MN-specific calcein staining in ALS MNs (Left). Diseased SOD90A MNs activity patterns at 11 div (Middle). Effect score calculation for ALS (Right).

Fig.4 MN-specific FoxP1 staining (Left). Diseased MNs activity patterns at 11 div (Middle). This disease-specific parameter score of SMA neurons. (Right).

Our Advantages

Creative Biolabs' Motor Neurons Phenotypic Screening Assay offers several advantages over traditional in vitro disease models. The use of patient-specific iPSC-derived motor neurons allows for the study of disease-specific phenotypes and the screening of potential therapeutic compounds in a more relevant and predictive model. The assay is also highly reproducible, allowing for the screening of large numbers of compounds in a cost-effective manner. Additionally, Creative Biolabs offers a range of services to support the Motor Neurons Phenotypic Screening Assay, including custom assay development and compound screening services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help advance your research in the field of neuroscience.