Modeling human sensory ascending pathway in assembloids derived from human pluripotent stem cells

The ascending somatosensory pathway transmits sensory information, including pain, touch and itch, from the peripheral nervous system to the brain. Dysfunctions in this pathway are linked to disorders like peripheral neuropathy and autism spectrum disorder. Despite a significant need for effective therapeutics modulating pain and other somatosensory modalities, clinical translation remains challenging, which is likely related to species-specific features and the lack of in vitro models to directly probe and manipulate this polysynaptic pathway.

To remedy this issue, Stanford researchers have developed the first human ascending sensory pathway model using assembloids. The method involves differentiating human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells into regionalized neural organoids resembling the components of the human sensory ascending pathway (Figure 1). This model provides a unique opportunity to directly study and manipulate the human sensory ascending pathway, overcoming previous challenges. This platform also enables functional analysis, including synchronized neural activity across the entire sensory pathway, offering a powerful tool for drug discovery targeting sensory disorders.

Figure:

Figure description: Building human ascending somatosensory assembloid from human induced pluripotent stem cells.

Image Credit: inventors

Stage of Development
Proof of concept- models have shown to trigger and ascend the full sensory pathway