Electrical stimulation of stem cell-derived human neural networks for evaluating anti-seizure medications.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Current preclinical epilepsy drug screening relies on animal models that poorly reflect human neurophysiology, leading to high failure rates in clinical translation. We aimed to establish a human in vitro model using human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cortical neurons cultured on multielectrode arrays (MEAs), capable of generating precisely controlled after-discharges (ADs) through electrical stimulation. We optimized stimulation parameters to evoke epileptiform-like hypersynchronous events and validated the model using six approved antiseizure medications (ASMs).

Methods

hiPSCs were rapidly differentiated into NGN2 cortical neurons and co-cultured with astrocytes on a 12-electrode, 24-well MEA. Network activity was tracked weekly. Upon maturation,

SUBMITTER: Nicholls J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12661287 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature