Authors: Yao Yin, Wei Zhou, Jinkui Zhu, Ziling Chen, Linlin Jiang, Xuran Zhuang, Jia Chen, Jianfeng Wei, Xiaoxiang Lu, Yantong Liu, Wei Pang, Qinzhi Zhang, Yajing Cao, Zhuoya Li, Yuyan Zhu, and Yangfei Xiang
Cell Stem Cell, 09 December 2024
Scientists use 3D tri-tissue organoids on Axion BioSystems’ next-generation Maestro MEA system to explore the complex neuromuscular axis.
Modeling the complex neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) axis is critical for understanding interactions between organs and exploring how dysfunction may contribute to disease. In this study, the authors develop a neuromusculoskeletal organoid model “for future studies of human NMS crosstalk and abnormality.” In contrast to previous assembloid fusion approaches, the NMS tri-tissue organoids (hNMSOs) in this study are completely self-organized with three distinct regional domains. To assess the functionality of the hNMSOs in vitro, the researchers used Axion Biosystems’ noninvasive Maestro MEA platform, finding that hNMSOs demonstrated spontaneous activity and altered activity in response to L-glutamine, NMDA/5-HT, and glutamate receptor blockers, indicating functional neuromuscular circuits. NMJ formation was subsequently confirmed via local caged glutamate treatment, photostimulation, and calcium imaging. Overall, according to the authors, “Multi-tissue organoids could provide a valuable platform for understanding the physiology and etiology related to the connections between CNS and peripheral targets inside the human body.”
