Human brain tissue from individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders is often challenging to obtain, particularly during the early stages of central nervous system (CNS) development. While mouse models are frequently used to study these disorders, they often exhibit variations and discrepancies in phenotypes. Additionally, the scope and accessibility of pharmacological and genetic interventions are limited in these models. To overcome these limitations, researchers are developing three-dimensional in vitro systems that can address some of the drawbacks of in vivo models.

These cellular systems provide a controlled environment for studying CNS stem cells and progenitors, offering advantages such as fast turnaround time and ample sample sizes. Innovative cell culture techniques drive these progenitors to form organized three-dimensional structures, including spheroids and organoids, allowing them to differentiate into mature neuronal and glial cell types. Neurogenesis and gliogenesis can be manipulated using large pharmacological libraries or genetic interventions. Furthermore, novel induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) techniques enable the investigation of cell fates in patient-derived stem cells. These insights hold immense value for studying human neurodevelopmental disorders.