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BRAIN Publication-derived

Parkinson's Disease Midbrain Organoids (2019)

Source Kim et al., 2019 · Dongguk University · 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.01.020

Authors: Hongwon Kim, Hyeok Ju Park, Hwan Choi, Yujung Chang, Hanseul Park, Jaein Shin, Junyeop Kim, Christopher J. Lengner, Yong Kyu Lee, Jongpil Kim Duration: 60 days 7 phases Cell source: Human iPSC (hiPSC)

Abstract

This protocol generates isogenic human iPSC-derived 3D midbrain organoids containing a G2019S mutation in LRRK2 to model sporadic Parkinson's disease. The organoids recapitulate key pathological hallmarks of LRRK2-associated PD including α-synuclein aggregation, dopamine neuron loss, and aberrant clearance. The system enables identification of disease mechanisms and testing of therapeutic approaches in a physiologically relevant 3D environment.

Cell source
Human iPSC (hiPSC)
Application
Disease modeling

Protocol overview

30 steps across 7 phases

Phase 1 · hiPSC Culture and LRRK2-G2019S Mutation Introduction Passage 6 through clonal selection (approximately 2-4 weeks)
  1. a Prepare Control hiPSCs
  2. b Generate hiPSCs via Lentiviral Reprogramming
  3. c Introduce LRRK2-G2019S Mutation via CRISPR/Cas9
  4. d Characterize Pluripotency of Mutant and Control hiPSCs
Phase 2 · Embryoid Body Formation and Initial Neural Induction Day 0-5
  1. a Dissociate hiPSCs into Single Cells
  2. b Form Embryoid Bodies
  3. c Embed EBs in Matrigel and Initiate Neural Induction
  4. d Add Midbrain Patterning Factors
  5. e Confirm Neuroectodermal Differentiation by qRT-PCR
Phase 3 · Midbrain-Specific Differentiation and Dopaminergic Maturation Day 15-45
  1. a Add Terminal Differentiation Factors
  2. b Monitor Dopaminergic Gene Expression
  3. c Assess Maturity at Day 45
  4. d Quantify Dopamine Release
Phase 4 · Extended Culture to Aged Midbrain Phenotype Day 45-60
  1. a Switch to Aged Midbrain Culture Conditions
  2. b Confirm Post-Mitotic Dopaminergic Neuron Identity
  3. c Assess Neuromelanin Accumulation
  4. d Measure DNA Damage as Aging Marker
Phase 5 · Pathological Characterization of LRRK2-G2019S Organoids Day 60 (analysis of previously cultured organoids)
  1. a Assess Dopaminergic Neuron Vulnerability to MPTP
  2. b Analyze α-Synuclein Pathology
  3. c Quantify α-Synuclein Aggregation via Thioflavin T Staining
  4. d Assess Autophagy and Mitophagy
  5. e Perform Western Blot Analysis of Pathological Markers
Phase 6 · Therapeutic Testing with LRRK2 Kinase Inhibitor Day 60 (treatment and analysis of previously cultured organoids)
  1. a Treat LRRK2-G2019S Organoids with LRRK2 Kinase Inhibitor
  2. b Assess Reduction of α-Synuclein Pathology
  3. c Measure Restoration of Dopaminergic Gene Expression
  4. d Assess Reduction in Dopaminergic Neuron Cell Death
Phase 7 · Molecular Mechanism Analysis: TXNIP Knockdown Day 60 (analysis of previously cultured organoids with gene knockdown)
  1. a Perform TXNIP Knockdown via shRNA
  2. b Analyze Reduction of α-Synuclein Aggregation
  3. c Assess Lysosomal Dysfunction Recovery
  4. d Quantify α-Synuclein Inclusion Area

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Attribution

This SOP was written by Organthis based on the published method in Kim et al., 2019. Once the originating laboratory has confirmed it, the SOP is marked Verified.

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