For many years, the study of neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and ALS, as well as the process of neurological recovery following spinal injuries or strokes, has been hindered by a lack of accurate models. Traditional research often relies on postmortem brain samples, which may not be well-preserved and typically reflect the final stages of disease. Rodent models also fall short in mimicking the complexity of human neural characteristics. Therefore, developing suitable in vitro cell models is essential for a deeper understanding of the involvement of neural and immune cells, as well as inflammation, in the development of neurological disorders.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a revolutionary tool in this context. These are cells from the body that can be reprogrammed back into embryonic-like stem cells, which then have the potential to develop into any type of human cell. Reprogramming cells from individuals with neurological diseases enables the exploration of disease-specific molecular pathways, particularly in neuron subtypes affected by the disease, such as dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease. This technology also facilitates the study of human neuronal development, offering opportunities for early intervention by targeting disease pathways before and during the early stages of the disease. Furthermore, once the neural phenotype associated with a neurological condition is established in vitro, researchers can use organoids or “disease-in-a-dish” models for more precise drug testing.
However, challenges remain in the use of iPSCs. They require exacting conditions to maintain their pluripotency, viability, and ability to multiply, which can be costly and involve complex, time-consuming culture methods. Over time, iPSC cultures can also develop genetic and phenotypic variability, even within cell lines originating from a single cell. It is therefore crucial to develop straightforward, reliable, and standardized methods for the monitoring, assessment, and comparison of iPSC lines.
In this upcoming Science webinar, experts will:
- Detail the use of neuro iPSC lines in researching neurological diseases and conditions
- Discuss the application of high-throughput flow cytometry for the monitoring, assessment, and comparison of iPSC lines
- Elaborate on the potential for therapeutic developments that could significantly slow down or prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases
- Answer questions during the live broadcast.
The webinar is expected to run for about 60 minutes.