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BRAIN Publication-derived

Self-Organizing Human Brain Tissue

Source Lancaster et al. · IMBA — Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Vienna, Austria · 10.1038/nature12517

👤 Lancaster MA, Renner M, Martin CA, Wenzel D, Bicknell LS, Hurles ME, Homfray T, Penninger JM, Jackson AP, Knoblich JA ⏱ 30 days 📋 5 phases 🧫 Human iPSC / Human ESC

Abstract

Landmark publication establishing the first protocol for generating cerebral organoids from human iPSCs through self-organized differentiation in Matrigel droplets and spinning bioreactors. Lancaster et al. demonstrated that these 3D neural tissues recapitulate features of early human cortical development and successfully modeled primary microcephaly using patient-derived iPSCs with CDK5RAP2 mutations.

Cell source
Human iPSC / Human ESC
Application
Neurodevelopmental Disease Modeling

Protocol overview

17 steps across 5 phases

Embryoid Body Formation Day 0–6
  1. 1 Dissociate and prepare pluripotent stem cells
  2. 2 Plate cells in ultra-low-binding wells
  3. 3 Culture embryoid bodies
Neural Induction Day 6–11
  1. 1 Transfer to neural induction media
  2. 2 Culture neuroectodermal tissues
Matrigel Embedding and Bioreactor Transfer Day 11–15
  1. 1 Prepare Matrigel droplets
  2. 2 Allow Matrigel to gel and transfer to culture
  3. 3 Culture in stationary differentiation media
  4. 4 Maintain in stationary culture for 4 days
Bioreactor Culture and Brain Region Development Day 15–30 days and beyond (up to 10 months)
  1. 1 Transfer to spinning bioreactor
  2. 2 Establish bioreactor culture conditions
  3. 3 Feed and monitor throughout culture
  4. 4 Assess brain region development
Optional: Electroporation for Molecular Manipulation Day 12 onwards
  1. 1 Prepare electroporation apparatus
  2. 2 Inject plasmid DNA into organoid
  3. 3 Perform electroporation
  4. 4 Return organoid to culture

Full SOP

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Attribution

This SOP was authored by Organthis based on the published method in Lancaster et al.. The originating laboratory holds no rights in this SOP and has not endorsed it unless marked Verified.

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