Efficient generation of a self-organizing neuromuscular junction model from human pluripotent stem cells.

ABSTRACT: The complex neuromuscular network that controls body movements is the target of severe diseases that result in paralysis and death. Here, we report the development of a robust and efficient self-organizing neuromuscular junction (soNMJ) model from human pluripotent stem cells that can be maintained long-term in simple adherent conditions. The timely application of specific patterning signals instructs the simultaneous development and differentiation of position-specific brachial spinal neurons, skeletal muscles, and terminal Schwann cells. High-content imaging reveals self-organized bundles of aligned muscle fibers surrounded by innervating motor neurons that form functional neuromuscular junctions. Optogenetic activation and pharmacological interventions show that the spinal neurons activ

SUBMITTER: Urzi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10730704 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature