High-content synaptic phenotyping in human cellular models reveals a role for BET proteins in synapse assembly.

ABSTRACT: Resolving fundamental molecular and functional processes underlying human synaptic development is crucial for understanding normal brain function as well as dysfunction in disease. Based upon increasing evidence of species-divergent features of brain cell types, coupled with emerging studies of complex human disease genetics, we developed the first automated and quantitative high-content synaptic phenotyping platform using human neurons and astrocytes. To establish the robustness of our platform, we screened the effects of 376 small molecules on presynaptic density, neurite outgrowth, and cell viability, validating six small molecules that specifically enhanced human presynaptic density in vitro. Astrocytes were essential for mediating the effects of all six small molecules, underscoring t

SUBMITTER: Berryer MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10121225 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature