封面图片 2017年, 第8卷 第12期
A new three-dimensional organoid culture system from iPSCs in vitro has been reported to recapitulate normal cortical development and neural developmental diseases. Organoids derived from this culture system generate ventricle-like cavities surrounded by progenitor cells (green), while new-born neurons (red) locate superficially. In these organoids, ventricular zone (VZ), subventricular zone (SVZ), lower and upper cortical plate (CP) display a well-aligned layer structure, which mimics the developmental structure of the normal human brain. Neurons in organoids undergo a process of maturation and form a functional neuronal network. Furthermore, the authors have developed this culture system for an investigation of the ASPM-dependent pathogenesis of microcephaly. This study has revealed the cortical organoids generated from primary microcephaly patient-derived iPSCs exhibit defective neurogenesis and neuronal network connectivity.[展开] ...