Julia TCW, PhD, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, comments on the limitations of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models for the study of functional mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Concerns have been raised about using iPSC models to study late-onset neurodegenerative diseases like AD and other dementias, given their similarity to fetal cells. To overcome these limitations, cells are cultured in a more organoid format or in mixed cultures that better mimic the complexity of the brain. This interaction between different cell types may accelerate cell maturity and enable the study of neurodegenerative diseases more effectively. Additionally, the genetic changes being studied in these models can accelerate aging- and disease-related phenotypes, compared to controls. The research also incorporates the use of chimeric models, to better mimic aging aspects and other in vivo challenges. The goal is to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo environments, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the brain’s complexities. This interview took place at The BNA 2023 International Festival of Neuroscience in Brighton, UK.
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To contact Prof. TCW: [email protected], [email protected]
