Core facility
Presentation
The Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Neural Organoids hub enables the sharing of expertise for projects involving the use of human reprogrammed stem cells (hiPSCs) and their derivatives, notably neural stem cells, neurons and neural organoids. It provides support for accessing, maintaining, banking and handling hiPSCs. We offer adapted equipment and validated protocols for handling and processing the models concerned. Our technology know-how and feedback will help you design your project, advising you on existing strategies, local and technical feasibility, and available tools. We can offer a range of practical training courses, technical and scientific supervision for students and permanent staff. As part of a collaborative effort, it is possible to transfer part of a project as well as request the development of new models and applications.
Equipment
– 25m² laboratory L2 (room 1104)
– 1 microbiological safety cabinet type II
– 2 CO2 incubators
– In-incubator orbital shaker
– In-incubator cell spinner
– Brightfield microscope equipped with camera
– 1 refrigerated centrifuge
Project 1
Our staff are experienced in handling, maintaining, QC’ing, amplifying, banking and editing (CRISPR) hiPSCs. We also have experience in 2D derivation to neural lineages (progenitors, neurons, astrocytes). In 3D, we have experience in the generation of neural organoids (cerebral organoids and optic vesicular organoids).
We have facilitated access to other CBI and external platforms to analyze all these types of samples (imaging, western blot, quantitative PCR, electrophysiology, etc.).
Project 2
We have developed expertise in neural organoid models, including unguided brain organoids and optic vesicle organoids. These organoids are generated from patient-derived hiPSCs, with or without pathogenic variants. They are used in fundamental research in developmental biology as well as in preclinical studies.
60-day-old brain organoids
20-day-old brain organoids – whole-mount – confocal imaging – SOX2 > TUBB3
60-day-old brain organoids – cryosection – confocal imaging – DAPI > PAX6 > TBR2 > CTIP2
Project 3
We have developed expertise in the maintenance, preservation, characterization, and genome editing of induced human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). We have also established partnerships for pluripotent stem cell reprogramming and quality control.
hiPSCs – DAPI > Phalloidin > eGFP
2D cultured neurons – MAP2 > DAPI
– Dihydrofolate reductase activity controls neurogenic transitions in the developing neocortex. Saha S, Jungas TT, Ohayon D, Audouard C, Ye T, Fawal MA, Davy A. Development. 2023 Oct 15;150(20):dev201696. doi: 10.1242/dev.201696.
– Inhibition of DHFR targets the self-renewing potential of brain tumor initiating cells. Fawal MA, Jungas T, Davy A. Cancer Lett. 2021 Apr 10;503:129-137. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.01.026.
