STAR Protocols,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
4(4), P. 102609 - 102609
Published: Sept. 23, 2023
Alpha-synuclein
(α-syn)
aggregation
is
a
principal
factor
in
Parkinson's
disease
(PD)
onset.
Here,
we
present
protocol
for
optogenetic
induction
of
α-syn
human
midbrain
dopaminergic
(mDA)
neurons,
facilitating
detailed
PD
pathology
study.
We
describe
steps
nucleofection
the
opto-α-syn
construct,
single
colony
selection
and
validation,
alongside
mDA
neuron
differentiation
rapid
toxic
aggregates
via
blue
light.
This
establishes
potent
induced
pluripotent-stem-cell-based
platform
drug
testing
validation.
For
complete
details
on
use
execution
this
protocol,
please
refer
to
Kim
et
al.
(2023).1
Current Opinion in Biotechnology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
87, P. 103126 - 103126
Published: March 29, 2024
Molecular
optogenetics
utilizes
genetically
encoded,
light-responsive
protein
switches
to
control
the
function
of
molecular
processes.
Over
last
two
years,
there
have
been
notable
advances
in
development
novel
optogenetic
switches,
their
utilization
elucidating
intricate
signaling
pathways,
and
progress
toward
practical
applications
biotechnological
processes,
material
sciences,
therapeutic
applications.
In
this
review,
we
discuss
these
areas,
offer
insights
into
recent
developments,
contemplate
future
directions.
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
18
Published: July 9, 2024
In
2013,
M.
Lancaster
described
the
first
protocol
to
obtain
human
brain
organoids.
These
organoids,
usually
generated
from
human-induced
pluripotent
stem
cells,
can
mimic
three-dimensional
structure
of
brain.
While
they
recapitulate
salient
developmental
stages
brain,
their
use
investigate
onset
and
mechanisms
neurodegenerative
diseases
still
faces
crucial
limitations.
this
review,
we
aim
highlight
these
limitations,
which
hinder
organoids
becoming
reliable
models
study
such
as
Alzheimer’s
disease
(AD),
Parkinson’s
(PD),
amyotrophic
lateral
sclerosis
(ALS).
Specifically,
will
describe
structural
biological
impediments,
including
lack
an
aging
footprint,
angiogenesis,
myelination,
inclusion
functional
immunocompetent
microglia—all
important
factors
in
neurodegeneration
AD,
PD,
ALS.
Additionally,
discuss
technical
limitations
for
monitoring
microanatomy
electrophysiology
parallel,
propose
solutions
overcome
current
thereby
making
a
more
tool
model
neurodegeneration.
Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
27, P. 717 - 732
Published: Jan. 1, 2025
Optogenetics
has
substantially
enhanced
our
understanding
of
biological
processes
by
enabling
high-precision
tracking
and
manipulation
individual
cells.
It
relies
on
photosensitive
proteins
to
monitor
control
cellular
activities,
thereby
paving
the
way
for
significant
advancements
in
complex
system
research.
Photosensitive
play
a
vital
role
development
optogenetics,
facilitating
establishment
cutting-edge
methods.
Recent
breakthroughs
protein
design
have
opened
up
opportunities
develop
protein-based
tools
that
can
precisely
manipulate
activities.
These
will
significantly
accelerate
application
optogenetic
tools.
This
article
emphasizes
pivotal
tools,
offering
insights
into
potential
future
directions.
We
begin
providing
an
introduction
historical
fundamental
principles
followed
exploration
operational
mechanisms
key
domains,
which
includes
clarifying
conformational
changes
they
undergo
response
light,
such
as
allosteric
modulation
dimerization
processes.
Building
this
foundation,
we
reveal
enable
creation
even
more
sophisticated
techniques.
Brain Research Bulletin,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
215, P. 111024 - 111024
Published: July 4, 2024
Parkinson's
disease
is
a
complex
neurodegenerative
characterized
by
progressive
movement
impairments.
Predominant
symptoms
encompass
resting
tremor,
bradykinesia,
limb
rigidity,
and
postural
instability.
In
addition,
it
also
includes
series
of
non-motor
such
as
sleep
disorders,
hyposmia,
gastrointestinal
dysfunction,
autonomic
dysfunction
cognitive
impairment.
Pathologically,
the
manifests
through
dopaminergic
neuronal
loss
presence
Lewy
bodies.
At
present,
no
significant
breakthrough
has
been
achieved
in
clinical
treatment.
Exploring
treatment
modalities
necessitate
establishment
scientifically
sound
animal
models.
recent
years,
researchers
have
focused
on
replicating
human
disease,
resulting
various
experimental
models
primarily
drugs
transgenic
methods
to
mimic
relevant
pathologies
identify
more
effective
treatments.
This
review
examines
traditional
neurotoxin
well
α-synuclein
pre-formed
fibrils
models,
non-human
primate
non-mammalian
specie
Additionally,
introduces
emerging
including
based
optogenetics,
induced
pluripotent
stem
cells,
gene
editing,
aiming
provide
reference
for
utilization
research
this
field.
Advanced Healthcare Materials,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
13(21)
Published: Jan. 25, 2024
Parkinson's
disease
(PD)
is
one
of
the
most
devastating
neurological
diseases;
however,
there
no
effective
cure
yet.
The
availability
human
induced
pluripotent
stem
cells
(iPSCs)
provides
unprecedented
opportunities
to
understand
pathogenic
mechanism
and
identification
new
therapy
for
PD.
Here
a
model
system
PD,
including
2D
iPSC-derived
midbrain
dopaminergic
(mDA)
neurons,
3D
organoids
(MOs)
with
cellular
complexity,
more
advanced
microphysiological
systems
(MPS)
organoids,
introduced.
It
believed
that
successful
integrations
applications
iPSC,
organoid,
MPS
technologies
can
bring
insight
on
PD's
pathogenesis
will
lead
treatments
this
debilitating
disease.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
25(5), P. 2680 - 2680
Published: Feb. 26, 2024
Since
its
inception,
induced
pluripotent
stem
cell
(iPSC)
technology
has
been
hailed
as
a
powerful
tool
for
comprehending
disease
etiology
and
advancing
drug
screening
across
various
domains.
While
earlier
iPSC-based
modeling
assessment
primarily
operated
at
the
cellular
level,
recent
years
have
witnessed
significant
shift
towards
organoid-based
investigations.
Organoids
derived
from
iPSCs
offer
distinct
advantages,
particularly
in
enabling
observation
of
progression
metabolism
an
vivo-like
environment,
surpassing
capabilities
iPSC-derived
cells.
Furthermore,
therapy
emerged
focal
point
clinical
interest.
In
this
review,
we
provide
extensive
overview
non-integrative
reprogramming
methods
that
evolved
since
inception
iPSC
technology.
We
also
deliver
comprehensive
examination
organoids,
spanning
realms
nervous
system,
cardiovascular
oncology,
well
systematically
elucidate
advancements
iPSC-related
therapies.
Current Opinion in Biotechnology,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
92, P. 103253 - 103253
Published: Jan. 14, 2025
Cerebral
organoids
pioneered
in
replicating
complex
brain
tissue
architectures
vitro,
offering
a
vast
potential
for
human
disease
modeling.
They
enable
the
vitro
study
of
physiological
and
pathophysiological
mechanisms
various
neurological
diseases
disorders.
The
trajectory
technological
advancements
organoid
generation
engineering
over
past
decade
indicates
that
technology
might,
future,
mature
into
indispensable
solutions
at
horizon
personalized
regenerative
medicine.
In
this
review,
we
highlight
recent
advances
as
models
discuss
some
challenges
opportunities
future
research
rapidly
evolving
field.
Cells,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
14(5), P. 347 - 347
Published: Feb. 27, 2025
Neurodegenerative
diseases
encompass
a
number
of
very
heterogeneous
disorders,
primarily
characterized
by
neuronal
loss
and
concomitant
decline
in
neurological
function.
Examples
this
type
clinical
condition
are
Alzheimer's
Disease,
Parkinson's
Huntington's
Disease
Amyotrophic
Lateral
Sclerosis.
Age
has
been
identified
as
major
risk
the
etiology
these
which
explains
their
increased
incidence
developed
countries.
Unfortunately,
despite
continued
intensive
efforts,
no
cure
yet
found
for
any
diseases;
reliable
markers
that
allow
an
early
diagnosis
disease
identification
key
molecular
events
leading
to
onset
progression
lacking.
Altered
adult
neurogenesis
appears
precede
appearance
severe
symptoms.
Given
scarcity
human
samples
considerable
differences
with
model
species,
increasingly
complex
stem-cell-based
models
being
developed.
These
shedding
light
on
alterations
contribute
development,
facilitating
new
targets
providing
screening
platform
testing
candidate
drugs.
Moreover,
secretome
other
promising
features
cell
types
explored,
use
them
replacement
cells
high
plasticity
or
co-adjuvant
therapy
combinatorial
treatments.
Cell Regeneration,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
14(1)
Published: March 27, 2025
Abstract
Cell
reprogramming
represents
a
powerful
approach
to
achieve
the
conversion
cells
of
one
type
into
another
interest,
which
has
substantially
changed
landscape
in
field
developmental
biology,
regenerative
medicine,
disease
modeling,
drug
discovery
and
cancer
immunotherapy.
is
complex
ordered
process
that
involves
coordination
transcriptional,
epigenetic,
translational
metabolic
changes.
Over
past
two
decades,
range
questions
regarding
facilitators/barriers,
trajectories,
mechanisms
cell
have
been
extensively
investigated.
This
review
summarizes
recent
advances
mediated
by
transcription
factors
or
chemical
molecules,
followed
elaborating
on
important
roles
biophysical
cues
reprogramming.
Additionally,
this
will
detail
our
current
understanding
govern
reprogramming,
including
involvement
recently
discovered
biomolecular
condensates.
Finally,
discusses
broad
applications
future
directions
development,
regenerative/rejuvenation
therapy,
