Application of rapid iPSC differentiation to neurotoxicity assays

Abstract

Neurotoxicity is one of the most common causes of drug development failures during clinical phases. In order to predict toxicity in the early phases, a number of in vitro assay models are being developed using neurons generated from human iPSCs with various different methods. In this study we investigated the usefulness of neurons generated using the Quick-Tissue^TM technology, a method that enables rapid differentiation. Calcium imaging of 3D spheroids revealed neuronal responses to representative drugs, suggesting the potential suitability of these neurons to efficient toxicity assays.