From human pluripotent stem cells (hESCs and hiPSCs), we have achieved regional specifications of human brain organoids, deciphered the differential development programs in various regions of the human brain, and applied region-specific human brain organoids for disease modeling. By fusing distinct region-specific brain organoids, we can reconstruct the regional interactions and connections inside the brain in a dish.
Figure 1. Modeling human brain development and interneuron migration
with regionally specified brain organoids (Cell Stem Cell 2017).
Figure 2. Modeling reciprocal projections between human cerebral cortex and thalamus
with regionally specified brain organoids (Cell Stem Cell 2019).
Figure 3. Vascularization of human brain organoids (Nature Methods 2019).
Figure 4. Genetically engineered two-dimensional and tri-dimensional human brain models
reveal novel mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities for Rett Syndrome (Molecular Cell 2020).
Courses: 1) Principles of Regenerative Medicine (Undergrad and grad students)