Brain organoids: A new tool for modelling of neurodevelopmental disorders

Abstract

Neurodevelopmental disorders are mostly studied using mice as models. However, the mouse brain lacks similar cell types and structures as those of the human brain. In recent years, emergence of three-dimensional brain organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells allows for controlled monitoring and evaluation of early neurodevelopmental processes and has opened a window for studying various aspects of human brain development. However, such organoids lack original anatomical structure of the brain during maturation, and neurodevelopmental maturation processes that rely on unique cellular interactions and neural network connections are limited. Consequently, organoids are difficult to be used extensively and effectively while modelling later stages of human brain development and disease progression. To address this problem, several methods and technologies have emerged that aim to enhance the sophisticated regulation of brain organoids developmental processes through bioengineering approaches, which may alleviate some of the current limitations. This review discusses recent advances and application areas of human brain organoid culture methods, aiming to generalize optimization strategies for organoid systems, improve the ability to mimic human brain development, and enhance the application value of organoids.