Method Article

Generation of 3D Midbrain Organoids from Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

DOI:

10.3791/67228

⸱

February 14th, 2025

 ,  , 
1Department of Clinical Medicine (K1), University of Bergen, 2Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 3Department of Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine

In This Article

Summary

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This protocol describes a novel method for creating 3D midbrain organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells, guiding their formation to mimic native midbrain tissue, thereby aiding in the study of development and disorders.

Abstract

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The development of midbrain organoids (MOs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) represents a significant advancement in understanding brain development, facilitating precise disease modeling, and advancing therapeutic research. This protocol outlines a method for generating midbrain-specific organoids using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), employing a strategic differentiation approach. Key techniques include dual-SMAD inhibition to suppress SMAD signaling, administration of fibroblast growth factor 8b (FGF-8b), and activation of the Sonic Hedgehog pathway using the agonist purmorphamine, guiding iPSCs towards a midbrain fate.

The organoids produced by this method achieve diameters up to 2 mm and incorporate a diverse array of neuroepithelial cell types, reflecting the midbrain's inherent cellular diversity. Validation of these organoids as authentic midbrain structures involves the expression of midbrain-specific markers, confirming their identity. A notable outcome of this methodology is the effective differentiation of iPSCs into dopaminergic neurons, which are characteristic of the midbrain.

The significance of this protocol lies in its ability to produce functionally mature, midbrain-specific organoids that closely replicate essential aspects of the midbrain, offering a valuable model for in-depth exploration of midbrain developmental processes and the pathophysiology of related disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Thus, this protocol serves as a crucial resource for researchers seeking to enhance our understanding of the human brain and develop new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, making it an indispensable tool in the field of neurological research.

Introduction

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The human brain, with its intricate architecture and complex cellular and molecular composition, presents formidable challenges in neuroscience research, particularly in the context of disease modeling and cellular therapy development1. These challenges are further complicated by the limited availability of sophisticated in vitro models that truly represent the complexity of the human brain. However, recent advancements in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, enabling controlled differentiation into specific neuronal subtypes, have opened promising avenues for exploring human brain development, disease pathogenesis, and cell-b....

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Protocol

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The iPSCs generated from human normal fibroblasts Detroit 551 and human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) hESC line 360 as previously described4. The iPSCs were obtained with the approval of the Western Norway Committee for Ethical Health Research REK nr. 2012/919. All cells were regularly monitored for Mycoplasma contamination using MycoAlert Mycoplasma Detection Kit. The Table of Materials contains information about all materials, reagents, and equipment used in this protocol. Table 1 describes the media and other stock used.

1. Thawing of iPSCs

  1. Matrix-coated....

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Results

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In this study, we introduce a pioneering protocol for the derivation of MOs from iPSCs. Central to our methodology is the innovative use of dual-SMAD inhibition, synergistically combined with FGF-8b and sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway agonist purmorphamine (PM). This approach is depicted in Figure 1. The differentiation process begins by steering iPSCs towards neuroectoderm lineage, forming neuroepithelial or neural rosette colonies. This is achieved through dual SMAD signaling inhibition, empl.......

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Discussion

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In this investigation, we have developed a methodology for the differentiation of MO from iPSCs. Our protocol employs a dual-SMAD inhibition strategy enhanced with morphogenic factors, including FGF-8b and the SHH agonist PM. This approach closely simulates the developmental cues crucial for midbrain ontogeny. The differentiation pathway we have instituted prompts the formation of neuroepithelial structures reminiscent of neural rosettes observed during natural brain development. This transformation from bidimensional cu.......

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Disclosures

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The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Acknowledgements

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Figure 1 is created using BioRender.com. We thank University of Bergen Meltzers Høyskolefonds (project number: 103517133), Gerda Meyer Nyquist Guldbrandson, and Gerdt Meyer Nyquists legat (project number: 103816102) for funding.

....

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Materials

List of materials used in this article
NameCompanyCatalog NumberComments
CCD Microscope Camera Leica DFC3000 GLeica Microsystems, Germany
Chemically Defined Lipid ConcentrateThermo Fisher Scientific11905031CDM ingredient
Collagenase  IVThermo Fisher Scientific17104019Reagent for gentle dissociation of human iPSCs
Corning non-treated culture dishesSigma-AldrichCLS430589Suspension culture 
DMEM/F-12, GlutaMAX supplementThermo Fisher Scientific10565018Astrocyte differentiation basal Medium
DPBSThermo Fisher Scientific14190250Used for a variety of cell culture wash
EDTAThermo Fisher Scientific15575020Reagent for gentle dissociation of human iPSCs
Essential 8 Basal MediumThermo Fisher ScientificA1516901Basal medium for iPSC culture
Essential 8 Supplement (50x)Thermo Fisher ScientificA1517101Supplement for iPSC culture
FCCPAbcamab120081Eliminates mitochondrial membrane potential and TMRE staining
FGF-basicPeproTech100-18BAstrocyte differentiation medium ingredient
Fluid aspiration system BVC controlVacuubrand, Germany
Formaldehyde (PFA) 16%Thermo Fisher Scientific28908Cell fixation 
GDNFPeprotech450-10DA neurons medium ingredient
Geltrex (Basement membrane matrix)Thermo Fisher ScientificA1413302Used for attachment and maintenance of human iPSCs
GlutaMAX SupplementThermo Fisher Scientific35050061Supplement for NSC culture
Heracell 150i CO2 IncubatorsFisher Scientific, USA
IMDMThermo Fisher Scientific21980032Basal medium for CDM
InSolution AMPK InhibitorSigma-Aldrich171261Neural induction medium ingredient
InsulinRoche1376497CDM ingredient
iPSCs derived from Detroit 551 fibroblats ATCCCCL-110
Leica TCS SP8 STED confocal microscopeLeica Microsystems, Germany
MatrigelLife Science354230Matrigel embedding
MonothioglycerolSigma-AldrichM6145CDM ingredient
Normal goat serumThermo Fisher ScientificPCN5000Used for blocking buffer
Orbital shakers - SSM1Stuart Equipment, UK
Organoid Embedding SheetSTEMCELL Technologies8579Matrigel embedding
Organoid Embedding SheetSTEMCELL Technologies 8579
PBS 1xThermo Fisher Scientific18912014Used for a variety of washes
Poly-D-lysine hydrobromideSigma-AldrichP7405Promotes attachment and growth of neural cells in vitro
Poly-L-ornithine solutionSigma-AldrichP4957Promotes attachment and growth of neural cells in vitro
ProLong Gold Antifade MountantThermo Fisher ScientificP36930Mounting the coverslip for confocal image
PurmorphamineSTEMCELL Technologies72204Promotes DA neuron differentiation
Recombinant Human/Mouse FGF-8b Protein R&D Systems423-F8-025/CFPromotes DA neuron differentiation 
SB 431542Tocris BioscienceTB1614-GMPNeural Induction Medium ingredient
TRITON X-100VWR International9002-93-1Used for cells permeabilization in immunostaining assays
SSM1 compact orbital shaker Norrscope51901-10 SSM1 Shaker, orbital, mini 230VRotator for organoid culturing.
Water Bath Jb Academy Basic Jba5 JBA5 Grant InstrumentsGrant Instruments, USA
Antibodies used for immunostaining
Primary antibody
anti-DATAbcamab128848, RRID:AB_2665470Rabbit; 1:100 
anti-FOXA2ProteinTech22474-1-AP, RRID:AB_2879110Rabbit; 1:100 
anti-FOXG1Abcamab196868, RRID:AB_2892604Rabbit; 1:200
anti-LMX1Abcamab139726, RRID:AB_2827684Rabbit; 1:100 
anti-MAP2Abcamab5392 ,RRID:AB_2138153Chicken; 1:500
anti-OTX2ProteinTech13497-1-AP, RRID:AB_2157176Rabbit; 1:100 
anti-THAbcamab75875, RRID:AB_1310786Rabbit; 1:100 
Secondary antibodyDilution (μL)
 Alexa Fluor  594 goat anti-rabbit IgGThermo Fisher ScientificA-11012 1:400
Alexa Fluor  488 goat anti-rabbit IgGThermo Fisher ScientificA- 11008 1:400
Alexa Fluor  488 goat anti-rabbit IgGThermo Fisher ScientificA- 11008 1:400
Alexa Fluor  488 goat anti-rabbit IgGThermo Fisher ScientificA- 11008 1:400
Alexa Fluor  594 goat anti-rabbit IgG Thermo Fisher ScientificA-11012 1:400
Alexa Fluor  594 goat anti-rabbit IgG Thermo Fisher ScientificA-11012 1:400
Alexa Fluor  647 goat anti-chicken IgG Thermo Fisher ScientificA-21469 1:400

References

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  1. Markram, H. Seven challenges for neuroscience. Funct Neurol. 28 (3), 145-151 (2013).
  2. Liang, K. X., et al. N-acetylcysteine amide ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction and reduces oxidative stress in hiPSC-derived dopaminergic neuro....

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Tags

Midbrain OrganoidsInduced Pluripotent Stem CellsDual SMAD InhibitionSonic Hedgehog PathwayDopaminergic NeuronsFibroblast Growth FactorNeuroepithelial Cell TypesDisease ModelingBrain DevelopmentParkinson s Disease
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