Induced pluripotent stem cell–derived neural stem cells

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), derived from reprogrammed somatic cells, have revolutionized stem cell research. This chapter is dedicated to neural stem cells (NSCs) and their potential for basic research and clinical applications. After short introducing sections about neurogenesis in vivo and the extracellular matrix as important compartment for extrinsic signaling, we present current in vitro models for NSCs. Cerebral organoids are cell aggregates that mimic aspects of early brain development. In the meantime, a number of disease models based on iPSCs and organoid cultures have been established and are presented here as well as examples of developmental studies. We close the chapter with ethical issues around NSC research and a future perspective.