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 Esch

Organisations

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL)
Human Genetics
Belgium
Flemish Region