A 3D In Vitro Model of the Human Locus Coeruleus

Application

A brain organoid model for the human locus coeruleus to study its function and dysfunction in neurological diseases.

Key Benefits

• Locus coeruleus region-specific neural organoid model for studying this deep region of the human brain.
• The organoid synthesizes norepinephrine, allowing for study of diseases related to these neurotransmitters.
• The organoid contains neuromelanin, enabling the analysis of how this pigment accumulates, affects neuronal activity and function, and contributes to neurodegeneration.
• Can help in identifying drug candidates for the prevention and treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases affecting this region of the brain such as Alzheimer’s disease and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Technical Summary

Researchers at Emory have developed a method for growing an organoid model of the human locus coeruleus (LC) using induced pluripotent stem cells. This region of the brain is located deep in the brainstem and is a primary source of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. In addition, the LC is the first region of the brain to accumulate hyperphosphorylated tau and neurofibrillary tangles, which are hallmark pathogenic agents of Alzheimer’s disease. This human LC organoid model could be useful for appropriate drug candidates for prevention and treatment of several neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric diseases.