iPSC-derived 3D organoid models to explore Alzheimer’s disease

Silvia Di Angelantonio, PhD, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy, discusses using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to explore neurodegeneration. iPSC-based organoids provide a unique technology for deepening our understanding of the neuron-glia-microglia interaction and crosstalk in both physiological and pathological conditions. Exploiting gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR Cas9, to genetically engineer isogenic iPSCs with a panel of Alzheimer’s disease-relevant mutations allows for the impact of that mutation on a particular phenotype to be dissected. These mutations, including tau, impact neuronal formation, morphology, and also synaptic activity. Dr Di Angelantonio also discusses how moving from a 2D to a 3D system may improve our ability to find β-amyloid plaques. Human-derived brain organoids can be utilized as a model to study neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. This interview took place at the AD/PD™ 2022 International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases hosted in Barcelona, Spain.