Cortical neurogenesis from pluripotent stem cells: complexity emerging from simplicity

- Pluripotent stem cell differentiation models spatial and temporal patterns of generation of cortical pyramidal and interneurons.
- Pluripotent stem cell derived corticogenesis displays species-specific features relevant to brain evolution.
- Pluripotent stem cell modelling is a promizing tool to reveal insights on neurodevelopmental diseases.

The cerebral cortex contains dozens of neuronal subtypes grouped in specific layers and areas. Recent studies have revealed how embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (PSC) can differentiate into a wide diversity of cortical neurons in vitro, while recapitulating many of the temporal and spatial features that characterize corticogenesis. PSC-derived neurons can integrate into the brain following in vivo transplantation and display patterns of morphology and connectivity specific of cortical neurons. PSC-corticogenesis thus emerges as a robust model that provides new ways to link cortical development, evolution, and disease.