Spatially patterned organoids: regionalization, cell fate and lamination in cortical development and neuronal migration disorders
| Title | Spatially patterned organoids: regionalization, cell fate and lamination in cortical development and neuronal migration disorders |
|---|---|
| Acronym | Pathcorg |
| Start date | 2026-04-01 |
| End date | 2031-04-01 |
| Sponsor | European Research Council - Synergy Grant (ERC-Syn) |
| Institution | Imagine Institute / INSERM U1163 |
Associated cell lines
- IMAGINi004-A (IMAGINE004)
- IMAGINi005-A (IMAGINE005)
- ISFi001-A (#1, HMGU1)
- UCSFi001-A (GM25256, WTC, WTC11, wtc11, Wtc11)
- WISCi004-A (IPS(IMR90)-1)
- WTSIi002-A (HPSI0913i-eika_2)
Project Description
The development of the mammalian cerebral cortex depends on the precise control of cell proliferation, migration, and neuronal diversity along both radial and tangential dimensions which ensure cortical regionalization and lamination, and ultimately the formation of functional areas. These processes depend on the formation of focal organizing centers within the early neural plate. Yet, major gaps in our understanding of these processes, particularly regarding human-specific mechanisms, limit insights into normal and pathological development. Brain organoids are the only experimental models of human brain development. However, they fail to reproduce cortical regionalization and lamination, This proposal aims to generate patterned and layered cortical organoids by investigating the mechanisms behind cortical organizer center formation. With this next generation of cortical organoids, we will explore region-specific cortical development (including progenitor divisions, cell fate, and architecture), evolutionary adaptations, and pathological conditions.