McCready FP, Gordillo-Sampedro S, Pradeepan K, Martinez-Trujillo J and Ellis J.
Biology, 2022
Scientists provide an overview of MEA and iPSC technologies and detail the use of Axion’s Maestro platform for studying developing neural networks.
Advances in multielectrode array (MEA) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies have provided scientists with unprecedented insights into neurodevelopmental disorders. In this review, scientists discuss the history of MEA since the 1970s, scientific methods for generating iPSC-derived neural-glial co-cultures, strengths and challenges associated with MEA technology, best practices for optimizing MEA data analysis, and suggestions for standardizing how findings are reported in scientific communications. In addition, the team provides detailed examples of how researchers have used Axion’s noninvasive Maestro MEA bioelectronic assays to study the following conditions:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Tuberous sclerosis complex
- Epilepsy
- Fragile X syndrome
- Rett syndrome
- Schizophrenia
- 16p11.2 duplication and deletion disorders
In summary, the authors support the use of iPSC models on MEA platforms to study developing neural networks and describe the advantages of the method for molecular, morphological, and functional phenotyping experiments, as well as the benefits for investigating potential therapeutic targets and genetic rescue manipulations. The researchers also note certain challenges associated with analyzing and interpreting complex MEA data and propose that novel computational methods and public MEA data repositories could benefit the neuroscience iPSC modeling community in the future.
