A functional aged human iPSC-cortical neuron model recapitulates Alzheimer's disease, senescence, and the response to therapeutics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The degeneration of cortical layers is associated with cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Current therapies for AD are not disease-modifying, and, despite substantial efforts, research and development for AD has faced formidable challenges. In addition, cellular senescence has emerged as a significant contributor to therapy resistance.

METHODS

Human iPSC-derived cortical neurons were cultured on microelectrode arrays to measure long-term potentiation (LTP) noninvasively. Neurons were treated with pathogenic amyloid-β (Aβ) to analyze senescence and response to therapeutic molecules.

RESULTS

Microphysiological recordings revealed Aβ dampened cortical LTP activity and accelerated neuronal senescence. Aging neurons secreted inflammatory factors previously detected in brain, plasma, and cerebral spinal fluid of AD patients, in which drugs modulated senescence-related factors.

DISCUSSION

This platform measures and records neuronal LTP activity in response to Aβ and therapeutic molecules in real-time. Efficacy data from similar platforms have been accepted by the FDA for neurodegenerative diseases, expediting regulatory submissions.

Highlights

• This work developed a progerontic model of amyloid-β (Aβ)-driven cortical degeneration.
• This work measured neuronal LTP and correlated function with aging biomarkers.
• Aβ is a driver of neuronal senescence and cortical degeneration.
• Molecules rescued neuronal function but did not halt Aβ-driven senescence.
• Therapeutic molecules modulated secretion of inflammatory factors by aging neurons.