The Promise and Potential of Brain Organoids

Abstract

Brain organoids are three‐dimensional in vitro culture systems derived from human pluripotent stem cells that self‐organize to model features of the (developing) human brain. This review examines the techniques behind organoid generation, their current and potential applications, and future directions for the field. Brain organoids possess complex architecture containing various neural cell types, synapses, and myelination. They have been utilized for toxicology testing, disease modeling, infection studies, personalized medicine, and gene‐environment interaction studies. An emerging concept termed Organoid Intelligence (OI) combines organoids with artificial intelligence systems to generate learning and memory, with the goals of modeling cognition and enabling biological computing applications. Brain organoids allow neuroscience studies not previously achievable with traditional techniques, and have potential to transform disease modeling, drug development, and our understanding of human brain development and disorders. The aspirational vision of OI parallels the origins of artificial intelligence, and efforts are underway to map a roadmap toward its realization. In summary, brain organoids constitute a disruptive technology that is rapidly advancing and gaining traction across multiple disciplines.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Electrophysiological insights with brain organoid models: a brief review

“…Particularly, research involving embryonic brains is essential for understanding human brain development but challenging to approach. Recently, the development of organoids derived from pluripotent stem cells has enhanced our understanding of the human brain ( 4 - 6 ). With the establishment of protocols inducing differentiation from human induced pluripotent stem cells through embryoid body to specific regions of the brain, research within the in vitro model now permits investigation into the complexity of the human brain, encompassing various cell types ( 7 , 8 ).…”