BrainPhys™ hPSC Neuron Kit
Kit for serum-free culture and differentiation of ES/iPS cell-derived neurons in BrainPhys™ Neuronal Medium
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What Our Scientist Says
I want to help neuroscientists like you create more physiological culture conditions, for more active and healthy neuronal cultures.
Carmen MakScientist
Overview
Data Figures
Protocols and Documentation
Find supporting information and directions for use in the Product Information Sheet or explore additional protocols below.
Applications
This product is designed for use in the following research area(s) as part of the highlighted workflow stage(s). Explore these workflows to learn more about the other products we offer to support each research area.
Resources and Publications
Educational Materials (26)
Publications (53)
The Toll-Like Receptor Signalling Pathway Is Altered in iPSC-Derived Cortical Networks From People With Bipolar Disorder.
Bipolar disorders 2026 Aug
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain cells are widely utilised as in vitro models for several neuropsychiatric disorders, as they retain the donor's genetic profile, offering a unique opportunity to study living human brain cells and perform controlled experimental manipulations. In this study, we conducted whole transcriptome sequencing of cortical networks (co-cultures of neurons and astrocytes) derived from 12 participants with bipolar disorder (BD) and 12 participants without a history of mental health disorders. Aiming to identify new molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. METHODS: iPSCs were generated by reprogramming peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using episomal vectors. iPSCs were then differentiated into neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and matured into cortical networks (CNs) that express markers of neurons and astrocytes. Whole transcriptome data were obtained using the Illumina NovaSeq X sequencing platform. Differential expression analysis was performed using DESeq2 in R. RESULTS: Gene set enrichment analysis identified 191 enriched pathways in BD, 171 were downregulated, and around 10% were associated with the immune system. Of these, the toll-like signalling pathway, which is downregulated in BD, was further investigated. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a profound immune dysregulation in BD, with downregulation of the sensing innate immune system, particularly highlighting the immune system's role as a complex signalling network.
Mechanical confinement matters: Unveiling the effect of two-photon polymerized 2.5D and 3D microarchitectures on neuronal YAP expression and neurite outgrowth
Materials Today Bio 2024 Nov
Abstract
The effect of mechanical cues on cellular behaviour has been reported in multiple studies so far, and a specific aspect of interest is the role of mechanotransductive proteins in neuronal development. Among these, yes-associated protein (YAP) is responsible for multiple functions in neuronal development such as neuronal progenitor cells migration and differentiation while myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTFA) facilitates neurite outgrowth and axonal pathfinding. Both proteins have indirectly intertwined fates via their signalling pathways. There is little literature investigating the roles of YAP and MRTFA in vitro concerning neurite outgrowth in mechanically confined microenvironments. Moreover, our understanding of their relationship in immature neurons cultured within engineered confined microenvironments is still lacking. In this study, we fabricated, via two-photon polymerization (2PP), 2.5D microgrooves and 3D polymeric microchannels, with a diameter range from 5 to 30 μm. We cultured SH-SY5Y cells and differentiated them into immature neuron-like cells on both 2.5D and 3D microstructures to investigate the effect of mechanical confinement on cell morphology and protein expression. In 2.5D microgrooves, both YAP and MRTFA nuclear/cytoplasmic (N/C) ratios exhibited maxima in the 10 μm grooves indicating a strong relation with mechanical-stress-inducing confinement. In 3D microchannels, both proteins’ N/C ratio exhibited minima in presence of 5 or 10 μm channels, a behaviour that was opposite to the ones observed in the 2.5D microgrooves and that indicates how the geometry and mechanical confinement of 3D microenvironments are unique compared to 2.5D ones due to focal adhesion, actin, and nuclear polarization. Further, especially in presence of 2.5D microgrooves, cells featured an inversely proportional relationship between YAP N/C ratio and the average neurite length. Finally, we also cultured human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and differentiated them into cortical neurons on the microstructures for up to 2 weeks. Interestingly, YAP and MRTFA N/C ratios also showed a maximum around the 10 μm 2.5D microgrooves, indicating the physiological relevance of our study. Our results elucidate the possible differences induced by 2.5D and 3D confining microenvironments in neuronal development and paves the way for understanding the intricate interplay between mechanotransductive proteins and their effect on neural cell fate within engineered cell microenvironments.
Modelling Lyssavirus Infections in Human Stem Cell-Derived Neural Cultures.
Viruses 2020 mar
Abstract
Rabies is a zoonotic neurological infection caused by lyssavirus that continues to result in devastating loss of human life. Many aspects of rabies pathogenesis in human neurons are not well understood. Lack of appropriate ex-vivo models for studying rabies infection in human neurons has contributed to this knowledge gap. In this study, we utilize advances in stem cell technology to characterize rabies infection in human stem cell-derived neurons. We show key cellular features of rabies infection in our human neural cultures, including upregulation of inflammatory chemokines, lack of neuronal apoptosis, and axonal transmission of viruses in neuronal networks. In addition, we highlight specific differences in cellular pathogenesis between laboratory-adapted and field strain lyssavirus. This study therefore defines the first stem cell-derived ex-vivo model system to study rabies pathogenesis in human neurons. This new model system demonstrates the potential for enabling an increased understanding of molecular mechanisms in human rabies, which could lead to improved control methods.
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Legal Statement:
BrainPhys is a registered trademark of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, used under exclusive license.
BrainPhys is a registered trademark of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, used under exclusive license.
Quality Statement:
PRODUCTS ARE FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY AND NOT INTENDED FOR HUMAN OR ANIMAL DIAGNOSTIC OR THERAPEUTIC USES UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON QUALITY AT STEMCELL, REFER TO WWW.STEMCELL.COM/COMPLIANCE.
PRODUCTS ARE FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY AND NOT INTENDED FOR HUMAN OR ANIMAL DIAGNOSTIC OR THERAPEUTIC USES UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON QUALITY AT STEMCELL, REFER TO WWW.STEMCELL.COM/COMPLIANCE.
Safety Statement:
CA WARNING: This product can expose you to Progesterone which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
