Neural Organoids: Advancing Our Understanding of the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there have been remarkable advances in developing three-dimensional neural cultures named neural organoids that model key aspects of human nervous system development. These are generated from pluripotent stem cells through protocols that promote self-organization into complex tissue structures. Carefully manipulating signaling pathways and culture conditions can generate region-specific neural organoids that recapitulate features of different nervous system areas.

These models have provided unique insights into human-specific aspects of neural development, enabled modeling of neurodevelopmental disorders, and advanced our understanding of how pathogens affect nervous system function. However, significant challenges remain in generating fully functional and physiologically relevant organoid systems. Current limitations include insufficient vascularization, restricted maturation of neural circuits, batch-to-batch variability, and incomplete representation of non-neural cell types.

This Special Issue aims to showcase innovative approaches to addressing these challenges and expanding organoid applications. We particularly welcome the following:

• Novel methods enhancing organoid maturation and functionality;
• Strategies for incorporating vasculature and immune components;
• Advanced techniques for functional analysis;
• Development of peripheral nervous system organoids;
• Applications in disease modeling and therapeutic development;
• Studies revealing new aspects of human neurodevelopment.

We encourage submissions exploring both central and peripheral nervous system organoids, with special interest in approaches that bridge current technical limitations or provide new biological insights.

Dr. Birtele Marcella
Guest Editor

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