Tang See Swee, Apsley Elizabeth J, Pellegrini Laura
Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London, UK.
Methods Mol Biol. 2025 Jan 17. doi: 10.1007/7651_2024_601.
The choroid plexus (ChP) is a vital brain structure that produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and forms a selective barrier between the blood and CSF, essential for brain homeostasis. Composed of secretory epithelial cells, connective stroma, and a fenestrated vascular network, the ChP supports nutrient transport, immune surveillance, and the clearance of toxic by-products. Despite its significance in maintaining cerebral function, the mechanisms underlying its development and maturation remain poorly understood. Recent advancements, such as the creation of stem cell-derived three-dimensional (3D) ChP organoid model, provide a promising platform for studying these processes. The ChP organoid model replicates key developmental stages and functions of the ChP, including CSF secretion and barrier formation. Additionally, they offer unique opportunities to investigate the impacts of drugs, pathogens, and toxins on the blood-CSF barrier. This study highlights imaging techniques critical for the characterization and utilization of ChP organoids, illustrating their value in advancing our understanding of ChP biology and its role in health and disease.
脉络丛（ChP）是一种重要的脑结构，它产生脑脊液（CSF）并在血液和脑脊液之间形成选择性屏障，这对脑内环境稳定至关重要。脉络丛由分泌上皮细胞、结缔组织基质和有窗孔的血管网络组成，支持营养物质运输、免疫监视以及清除有毒副产物。尽管其在维持脑功能方面具有重要意义，但其发育和成熟的潜在机制仍知之甚少。最近的进展，如创建干细胞衍生的三维（3D）脉络丛类器官模型，为研究这些过程提供了一个有前景的平台。脉络丛类器官模型复制了脉络丛的关键发育阶段和功能，包括脑脊液分泌和屏障形成。此外，它们为研究药物、病原体和毒素对血脑屏障的影响提供了独特的机会。本研究强调了对脉络丛类器官进行表征和利用至关重要的成像技术，说明了它们在推进我们对脉络丛生物学及其在健康和疾病中的作用的理解方面的价值。
