Learn basic approaches for generating, reprogramming, and genetically screening induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (iPSC) neurons and glia. After reviewing Module 1, participants at all career stages should be able to: - Explain the basics of reprogramming. - Describe how to make a study design considering possible limitations and proper number of samples. - Summarize how to perform a reprogramming experiment. - Summarize how to validate and establish iPSC lines. - Outline genome editing techniques and how to proceed to design and perform an experiment. - Explain CRISPR-based approaches to probe gene function in iPSC-derived neurons and glia. - Describe different types of large-scale genetic screens in iPSC-derived neurons and glia.

Marius Wernig, Kristin Baldwin, and Lorenz Studer provide a brief introduction to the training series (0:00-7:42) and the field of stem cell biology and reprogramming technologies. This resource will review: Why the stem cell biology and reprogramming field shows enormous potential in modern biomedical research (7:42-18:37). A historical understanding of neural differentiation (18:37-30:36) and epigenetic reprogramming techniques (30:36-40:43). After reviewing the introductory video, participants at all career stages should be able to: Understand the organization of SfN’s training series on stem cells and reprogramming methods in neuroscience. Understand the objectives of the training series and how to engage with the resources. Describe how the stem cell and reprogramming field has developed and advanced. Summarize the potential of stem cells and reprogramming technologies and how you can apply them to your neuroscience research questions. Identify current limitations of these technologies.

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Learn how to produce and characterize three major glial cell types in the brain - oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia – and how to assemble co-cultures. After reviewing Module 3, participants at all career stages should be able to: - Outline basic methods that can be used to differentiate iPS cells into microglia and to validate the resulting phenotype. - Identify assays that can be used to study the function of microglia in vitro and the potential use of chimeric transplantation models to study human microglia function in vivo. - Describe growth factor-mediated human oligodendrocyte generation from iPS cells. - Explain how to troubleshoot common experimental challenges. - Explain the logic of directed differentiation of astrocytes from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC’s). - Describe some uses of astrocytes for modeling neuron/glia interactions in mixed cultures.

Learn protocols for generating three-dimensional neural organoid cultures from stem cells and understand applications of these tissues to model brain development and neurological conditions. After reviewing Module 4, participants at all career stages should be able to: - Describe what the various three-dimensional systems are capable of. - Identify examples of human conditions that can be modeled using three-dimensional neural organoid systems. - Explain how to use single cell RNA sequencing and neural organoids to approach questions on brain development and disease. - Identify resources available to evaluate your own RNA sequencing applications.

Eden A. Dulka is currently a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Dr. Jacob Mueller in the department of human genetics at the University of Michigan.

We recently redesigned the Neuronline website - as a result, some pages were moved or changed. Try looking in the appropriate section above, or using the search box at the upper right.