In a review published in Cell & Bioscience, researchers synthesize recent developments in human brain organoids, detailing how these three-dimensional, self-organizing structures derived from human embryonic stem cells or pluripotent stem cells are transforming neurological research. Containing diverse neuronal and glial cell types, these cellular models provide a specialized experimental platform for investigating the mechanisms of human brain development.
The authors document a rapid technological evolution from early cerebral organoids toward a sophisticated modeling toolkit. Current methodologies encompass region-specific models, vascularized constructs, microglia-containing systems, and multi-region assembloids, substantially enhancing the structural and cellular complexity achievable in laboratory settings.
Concurrently, the utility of brain organoids has expanded beyond passive anatomical recapitulation to encompass disease modeling, functional circuit integration, and targeted drug discovery. The synthesis examines how these platforms are applied to investigate neurodevelopmental conditions and broader neurological disorders.
Despite this progress, the review identifies cri...