Application and Progress of Human Brain Organoid Model in the Study of Autism-Related Neurodevelopmental Defects

WANG Yuanhao¹, ZHANG Xu¹, HAN Xiao², LIU Yan^1,2*

（¹State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; ²School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China)

Abstract:

ASD (autism spectrum disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits and repetitive behavior. It is influenced by various factors such as genetics and environment, and has complex etiology and high heterogeneity among patients, which hinders the research on disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. 3D human brain organoids are organ-like 3D tissues formed from PSCs (pluripotent stem cells) after suspension culture and induced differentiation, which can carry complete genetic information of patients, and can simulate the early brain development process of embryos in vitro and reflect the pathological process. Brain organoids are ideal models and platforms for studying ASD. This article will review the progress and achievements of human brain organoids in ASD research in recent years.