Brain-Region-Specific Organoids Using Mini-bioreactors for Modeling ZIKV Exposure.

ABSTRACT: Cerebral organoids, three-dimensional cultures that model organogenesis, provide a new platform to investigate human brain development. High cost, variability, and tissue heterogeneity limit their broad applications. Here, we developed a miniaturized spinning bioreactor (SpinΩ) to generate forebrain-specific organoids from human iPSCs. These organoids recapitulate key features of human cortical development, including progenitor zone organization, neurogenesis, gene expression, and, notably, a distinct human-specific outer radial glia cell layer. We also developed protocols for midbrain and hypothalamic organoids. Finally, we employed the forebrain organoid platform to model Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure. Quantitative analyses revealed preferential, productive infection of neural progenitors w

SUBMITTER: Qian X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4900885 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature