Current Development of iPSC-Based Modeling in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Xiangge Guo, Xumeng Wang, Jiaxuan Wang, Min Ma, Qian Ren
Abstract
Over the past two decades, significant advancements have been made in the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. These developments have enabled the broader application of iPSCs in neuroscience, improved our understanding of disease pathogenesis, and advanced the investigation of therapeutic targets and methods. Specifically, optimizations in reprogramming protocols, coupled with improved neuronal differentiation and maturation techniques, have greatly facilitated the generation of iPSC-derived neural cells. The integration of the cerebral organoid technology and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has further propelled the application of iPSCs in neurodegenerative diseases to a new stage. Patient-derived or CRISPR-edited cerebral neurons and organoids now serve as ideal disease models, contributing to our understanding of disease pathophysiology and identifying novel therapeutic targets and candidates. In this review, we examine the development of iPSC-based models in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease.