Rigor and reproducibility in human brain organoid research: Where we are and where we need to go
Soraya O. Sandoval, Gerarda Cappuccio, Karina Kruth, Sivan Osenberg, Saleh M. Khalil, Natasha M. Méndez-Albelo, Krishnan Padmanabhan, Daifeng Wang, Mark J. Niciu, Anita Bhattacharyya, Jason L. Stein, André M. M. Sousa, Elisa A. Waxman, Elizabeth D. Buttermore, Dosh Whye, Carissa L. Sirois, Stewart A. Anderson, Anita Anita, Bhattacharyya, Elizabeth D. Buttermore, Qiang Chang, Deborah L. French, Kazue Hashimoto‐Torii, Harley I. Kornblum, Kristin Kroll, Herbert M. Lachman, Mirjana Maletić‐Savatić, Mark J. Niciu, Bennett G. Novitch, Krishnan Padmanabhan, Chris Pröschel, Mustafa Şahin, André M. M. Sousa, Jason L. Stein, Daifeng Wang, Elisa A. Waxman, Dosh Whye, Aislinn Williams, Xinyu Zhao, Aislinn Williams, Mirjana Maletić‐Savatić, Xinyu Zhao
Abstract
Human brain organoid models have emerged as a promising tool for studying human brain development and function. These models preserve human genetics and recapitulate some aspects of human brain development, while facilitating manipulation in an in vitro setting. Despite their potential to transform biology and medicine, concerns persist about their fidelity. To fully harness their potential, it is imperative to establish reliable analytic methods, ensuring rigor and reproducibility. Here, we review current analytical platforms used to characterize human forebrain cortical organoids, highlight challenges, and propose recommendations for future studies to achieve greater precision and uniformity across laboratories.