The use of induced pluripotent stem cells in the study of neurodevelopmental disorders
Scope of the method
The Method relates to
- Human health
The Method is situated in
- Basic Research
Type of method
- In vitro - Ex vivo
This method makes use of
- Human derived cells / tissues / organs
Specify the type of cells/tissues/organs
Fibroblasts
Description
Method keywords
- IPSC
- Stem cells
- differentiation
- cell culture
- organoid
- CrispR
Scientific area keywords
- neurodevelopmental disorders
- Rett syndrome
- MECP2
- MECP2 duplication syndrome
- intellectual disability
Method description
We have successfully set-up the iPSC technology and are able to derive human cortical neurons for the study of neurodevelopmental disorders e.g. the MECP2 duplication syndrome (published) and other projects in the lab (ongoing). We also create isogenic lines using CrispR-Cas technology. All lines are human derived. We use the iPSC to derive specific subtypes of neurons and study differentiation capacity and morphology. We also study neuronal synaptic connectivity. For certain diseases, we also study migration capacity.
Method status
- Still in development
- History of use
- Published in peer reviewed journal
Pros, cons & Future potential
Advantages
To study processes underlying cognitive and behavioral function at a molecular and cellular level in a human context.
Challenges
High cost.
References, associated documents and other information
References
Nageshappa et al., Mol Psychiatry 2016
Contact person
Hilde Van EschOrganisations
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL)Human Genetics
Belgium
Flemish Region
