Human in Vitro Models in Neuroscience

Human in vitro models are transforming neuroscience by enabling direct investigation of human neuronal cells and circuits in controlled experimental environments. Advances in platforms based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), brain organoids, assembloids, organ‑on‑a‑chip systems, and other engineered neuronal cultures provide unprecedented opportunities to study human brain development, function, and disease mechanisms at single‑cell and network resolution. These models are bridging the gap between animal studies and human biology, advancing research in neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, drug discovery, personalized medicine, and regenerative approaches.As the field rapidly expands, researchers are integrating diverse cutting‑edge methodologies—genetic and epigenetic engineering, high‑content imaging, electrophysiology, optogenetics, live‑cell assays, and automated analysis—to build increasingly complex and physiologically relevant human brain models. Alongside these innovations, challenges related to standardization, reproducibility, benchmarking, and translational validity remain key priorities. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure robust and interpretable findings, reproducible results across laboratories, and the broader applicability of these models for both fundamental and translational neuroscience.This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive forum for advances in human in vitro modeling in neuroscience, highlighting methodological developments, validation strategies, and applications in health and disease. We welcome original research, methods articles, technology reports, reviews, and perspectives focusing on model creation, functional characterization, and best practices for reproducible human cell‑based neuroscience.To gather further insights into the evolving landscape of human in vitro models, we welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Development of innovative human neural models (e.g., iPSC‑derived cultures, organoids, organ‑on‑a‑chip, co‑culture systems)• Applications to neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, neural circuit analysis, synaptic biology, and disease modeling• Advances in genetic and epigenetic engineering, imaging, optogenetics, electrophysiology, and computational modeling• Drug screening, toxicity testing, and pharmacological profiling using human‑based in vitro systems• Strategies for protocol harmonization, validation, and benchmarking across laboratories and model types• Integration of glial, immune, vascular, and barrier components to enhance physiological relevance• Comparison with animal models and classical in vitro techniques to assess strengths, limitations, and translational potential• Tools, standards, and quality‑control frameworks supporting reproducible and scalable experimentation• Studies exploring human neural development, function, and pathology across lifespan and disease contexts Topic editors: Nishant Singhal, Chih-Wei Zeng, Iman Rostami Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80778/human-in-vitro-models-in-neuroscience