Neuroscience and
Neurobiology Solutions
Advancing neurological disorder research using iPSC-derived models
Molecular Devices Solutions for neuroscience and neurobiology research using human iPSC-derived models
At Molecular Devices, we are committed to advancing the field of neuroscience and neurobiology through innovative solutions that empower researchers to explore the complexities of the brain and nervous system. Our cutting-edge technologies and comprehensive platforms are designed to support a wide range of research areas, from cellular and molecular processes to neurodegenerative diseases and neuropharmacology.
Our solutions include high-throughput screening systems, such as the FLIPR® Penta High-Throughput Cellular Screening System, which enables detailed studies of neural activity and disease mechanisms using human iPSC-derived models. Additionally, our automated cellular imaging solution, the ImageXpress® High-content Screening System, provide reliable and reproducible results for neuronal network analysis and neurotoxicity screening.
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By leveraging our state-of-the-art tools and expertise, researchers can gain deeper insights into the fundamental mechanisms of neural function, develop novel therapies for neurological disorders, and enhance the overall understanding of the nervous system. Whether you are studying neurogenesis, synaptic transmission, or the impact of environmental factors on brain health, Molecular Devices offers the solutions you need to drive your research forward.
What is neuroscience?
The study of neuroscience focuses on the brain, spinal cord, and neurons, a network of sensory and motor nerve cells. Researchers examine their structure, function, and development to understand how they work together to impact our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
- Neuroscience research areas: The broad and dynamic field of neuroscience focuses on how the various aspects of the brain and nervous system function—from cellular and molecular processes to developmental and behavioral and cognition.
- Importance of molecular and cellular neuroscience: Cellular and molecular neuroscience is a fast-growing area of neuroscience which provides deep insights of the nervous system at the microscopic level. It examines how information is processed in the brain through neurons, driving the development of novel stem cell and gene therapies, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, depression, and precision medicine.
What is neurobiology?
Neurobiology is the study of the physical components of the nervous system at the cellular and molecular level with a focus on its structure, its mechanisms, and how it impacts behavior.
- Neurobiology research areas: Neurobiology encompasses a diverse range of areas such as sensory and motor systems, cognitive functions like memory and decision-making, and the neural bases of emotions and social behaviors. It also emphasizes neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, neuroimmunology, and neuropharmacology. This multi-disciplinary approach strives to deepen our understanding of the brain and develop treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions.
- Importance of cellular and molecular neurobiology: Cellular and molecular neurobiology is a branch of neurobiology that examines the nervous system by focusing on the structure and function of neurons and glial cells, exploring processes like neurogenesis, synaptic transmission, and signal transduction. It aims to understand the fundamental mechanisms of neural function and develop treatments for neurological disorders.
Rising neurological disorders and causes, and solutions
Neurological disorders are rising, affecting up to a billion people and becoming a leading cause of disability and death. This increase is driven by longer life expectancies and better diagnostics. In addition, environmental chemicals like lead, methylmercury, and organophosphates are linked to neurodevelopmental issues such as behavioral and cognitive issues, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders and lower IQs, highlighting gaps in safety testing. Furthermore, neurotoxicity challenges drug development, causing costly delays and failed trials.
Accelerated research is needed to understand these diseases at cellular and molecular levels for better treatments and prevention. Advanced methods using human iPSC-derived tissue cells and high-throughput imaging assays offer accurate models for studying neurological disorders, testing chemicals, and developing safe drugs.
Traditional animal models have limitations, leading to a shift towards human-relevant in vitro models like human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived organoids. Advanced platforms such as microBrain 3D from StemoniX, combined with the FLIPR system, allow for high-throughput screening and detailed study of neural activity. This combination provides critical insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatments. These neurobiological models offer a promising approach for toxicity screening, disease modeling, and drug development, aiming to enhance therapeutic interventions and patient outcomes.
Figure 1. microBrain 3D, a robust, reproducible, high-throughput 3D human neurospheroid for drug discovery. microBrain 3D neurospheroids contain approximately equal numbers of astrocytes (GFAP) and neurons (MAP2) and are provided in 96- or 384-well plates where each well contains a single neurospheroid of consistent size.
Read the in-depth article here: Neuroscience: bridging the gap between cell-based and human research
Functional characterization of healthy and Alzheimer’s disease-related 3D neurospheres
Recent advancements in the development of in vitro 3D neural organoids, utilizing terminally differentiated iPSC-derived neural cells, have unveiled a groundbreaking cell-based assay platform. This innovative approach offers significant potential for the assessment of neurotoxicity, the neuro-active effects of various neuromodulators, and disease modeling. These 3D neural organoids stand out due to their ease of use, consistency across wells and assay plates, simplicity in data analysis, and biological relevance, making them an invaluable tool for early detection of neurotoxicity in vitro.
Schematic diagram of the process workflow. (1) iPSC-derived cells are thawed and combined in ratios of approx. 90% neurons and 10% astrocytes into (2) ULA 3D spheroid-forming plates. (3) Neurospheres form within 24–48 h and (4)–(5) are maintained in culture with regular media for >21 days. (6) Cells are assayed on the FLIPR Penta or cellular imaging system
A critical feature of this platform is the use of kinetic calcium imaging, which provides reliable and accurate read-outs for functional neural activity, enabling the evaluation of phenotypic changes and compound effects. Notably, organoids formed with ApoE 4/4 mutants of GABA-neurons exhibited decreased excitability, which was effectively reversed with drugs used for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Additionally, mutated phenotypes demonstrated moderately increased excitability, responding more significantly to stimulating agents.
This sophisticated biological system, combining 3D neurospheres with detailed analysis of calcium oscillations, presents a promising and informative tool for both disease modeling and phenotypic functional evaluation. Its potential applications in compound testing are vast, offering new avenues for research and development.
Featured scientific poster
In this study, we chose to model Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) by incorporating allelic variants of the ApoE gene (2/2, 3/4, and 4/4) to create disease-specific “neurospheres”.
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Our commitment to neuroscience and neurobiology research
Molecular Devices provides instruments for high-throughput screening (FLIPR® system), electrophysiology (Axon™ Patch-Clamp), and cellular imaging (ImageXpress high-content imaging systems), which are essential for conducting in-depth studies for advancing cellular neuroscience and neurobiology research.