Skip to content
← Back to browse
BRAIN Publication-derived

Stem Cell Models of Human Brain Development

Source Kelava et al., 2016 · MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge · 10.1016/j.stem.2016.05.022

👤 Iva Kelava, Madeline A. Lancaster ⏱ 100 days 📋 5 phases 🧫 Human ESC, Human iPSC

Abstract

This protocol review describes in vitro methods for generating human brain tissue from pluripotent stem cells, including neural rosette approaches, serum-free embryoid body (SFEB/SFEBq) methods, and three-dimensional brain organoids. These systems recapitulate key aspects of human brain development including neural induction, regional patterning, progenitor zone organization, and neurogenesis.

Cell source
Human ESC, Human iPSC
Application
Developmental study, Disease modeling, Drug screening

Protocol overview

15 steps across 5 phases

Neural Induction via Embryoid Body (EB) Formation 0-7 days
  1. 1 Generate Embryoid Bodies from Pluripotent Stem Cells
  2. 2 Culture EBs Under Serum-Free Conditions
Neural Rosette Formation (2D Method) 7-15 days
  1. 3 Plate EBs on Coated Dishes
  2. 4 Maintain and Propagate Rosettes
  3. 5 Assess Rosette Quality and Cell Composition
SFEBq Method: Large Rosettes in Semi-3D Culture 7-50 days
  1. 6 Extend EB Maturation in 3D with Inductive Signals
  2. 7 Plate Large Aggregates on Coated Dishes
  3. 8 Continue Differentiation with Growth Factor Support
3D Brain Organoid Generation 0-45 days
  1. 9 Generate and Culture Embryoid Bodies for Organoid Formation
  2. 10 Embed EBs in Matrigel
  3. 11 Culture Organoids in 3D Floating Culture with Agitation
  4. 12 Perform Medium Changes and Monitor Growth
Quality Control and Characterization Throughout culture (10–100 days)
  1. 13 Immunofluorescence Staining and Imaging
  2. 14 RNA Extraction and Gene Expression Analysis
  3. 15 Assess Tissue Morphology and Regional Identity

Full SOP

🔬

Create a free account to access this protocol

Join OrganMatch to unlock step-by-step procedures, reagent concentrations, QC checklists, and downloadable batch record templates.

Create free account

Already registered? Log in

Attribution

This SOP was authored by Organthis based on the published method in Kelava et al., 2016. The originating laboratory holds no rights in this SOP and has not endorsed it unless marked Verified.

This wording is awaiting legal review.

Something wrong with this entry? Report an issue with this protocol

Need a commercial licence?
Use this protocol in your therapeutic or diagnostic pipeline.
Request Commercial Licence