Advancing Human Brain Organoid Models: Protocols, Neuropathology, and Preclinical Translation

Human brain organoids (hBOs) are valuable tools for investigating human brain biology, neuropathology, and the molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved in brain development and related diseases. These three-dimensional (3D) tissue models, derived from pluripotent stem cells obtained from healthy donors or patients, can preserve the donor’s genetic background. Their human origin and ability to serve as “brain avatars” in vitro make hBOs promising platforms for preclinical research, including the study of neurological disorders and the testing of personalized treatments. Related CNS and sensory models, including choroid plexus and olfactory organoid systems, further expand their potential for neuroscience research. Research involving these models often requires interdisciplinary collaboration across cellular and molecular biology, medicine, biomaterials, bioengineering, and computational science.This Research Topic aims to advance human brain organoid models by refining differentiation and culture protocols, improving reproducibility, and better recapitulating in vivo cellular diversity and interactions. It will address their application to neuropathology and neurological disease modelling, while considering their reliability and potential for preclinical translation. By integrating interdisciplinary approaches, the goal is to overcome current limitations and strengthen the use of organoid-based models in neuroscience research.To gather further insights into protocols, neuropathology, and the preclinical translation of human brain organoid and related neural models, we welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Development and refinement of human brain organoid protocols• Reproducibility, standardization, and characterization of organoid models• Organoid modelling of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders• Choroid plexus, blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and olfactory models• Neuropathological mechanisms and disease-associated cellular changes• Personalized and preclinical drug testing• Imaging, molecular, cellular, and computational analysis of organoids• Strategies to improve the translational relevance of organoid-based research Topic editors: Egor Dzyubenko, Fabio Cavaliere, Dirk M. Hermann Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85660/advancing-human-brain-organoid-models-protocols-neuropathology-and-preclinical-translation