Comparison Of Human iPSC-Derived And Rodent Forebrain Cultures Reveals Distinctive Morphogenesis Patterns Of Human Neuronal Development

By Marnelle Andersen, David Galitz, Susan Tousey, Charles Haitjema, Greg Herr, Jamie Van Etten, Sol Degese, Xi Lu, Jeff Cooper, Chris Heger, Sean Kevlahan, Scott Schachtele, and Kevin Flynn

This study outlines a protocol for creating low-density human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived forebrain neurons. The development of these human neurons was compared to rodent-derived neurons. Researchers used pharmacological treatments, such as myosin inhibition, to enhance axon outgrowth and arborization in both neurons. This protocol provides a foundation for studying human neuronal development and the mechanisms of human developmental disorders. The study also confirmed that differentiation into neurons could be detected with the pan-neuronal marker, β-III-tubulin, and that human iPSC-derived forebrain neurons displayed normal developmental progression, albeit slower than rat forebrain neurons.