Optimization of cerebral organoids: a more qualified model for Alzheimer’s disease research

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that currently cannot be cured by any drug or intervention, due to its complicated pathogenesis. Current animal and cellular models of AD are unable to meet research needs for AD. However, recent three-dimensional (3D) cerebral organoi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Feng-Chen Bi, Xin-He Yang, Xiao-Yu Cheng, Wen-Bin Deng, Xiao-Li Guo, Hui Yang, Yin Wang, Juan Li, Yao Yao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2021-08-01
Series:Translational Neurodegeneration
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40035-021-00252-3
Description
Summary:Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that currently cannot be cured by any drug or intervention, due to its complicated pathogenesis. Current animal and cellular models of AD are unable to meet research needs for AD. However, recent three-dimensional (3D) cerebral organoid models derived from human stem cells have provided a new tool to study molecular mechanisms and pharmaceutical developments of AD. In this review, we discuss the advantages and key limitations of the AD cerebral organoid system in comparison to the commonly used AD models, and propose possible solutions, in order to improve their application in AD research. Ethical concerns associated with human cerebral organoids are also discussed. We also summarize future directions of studies that will improve the cerebral organoid system to better model the pathological events observed in AD brains.
ISSN:2047-9158