PhD Scientific Days 2026

Poster Session 3.N - Neurosciences

Survival of human grafted neuronal progenitor cells in human cortical organotypic slice cultures

Name of the presenter

Stelcz, Rebeka

Institute/workplace of the presenter

HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences

Authors

Rebeka Stelcz^1,2, Vera Deli², Katalin Tóth^1,2, Eszter Juhász², Orsolya Farkas², Hanga Dormán², Attila Bagó³, Loránd Erőss³, Boglárka Hajnal³, István Ulbert^2,3,4, Ágota Apáti², Lucia Wittner^2,3
1: Semmelweis University, János Szentágothai Neurosciences Division
2: HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences
3: Semmelweis University Clinics of Neurosurgery and Neurointervention
4: Péter Pázmány Catholic University Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics

Text of the abstract

Introduction: Organotypic slice cultures derived from postoperative human brain tissue offer a unique long-term model for studying neuronal development and integration under near-physiological conditions. This system supports tissue viability for several weeks, enabling investigations of optogenetic tools and stem cell integration.
Aims: In this study, GFP-expressing human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) were injected into human cortical organotypic slices.
Methods: The survival, differentiation, and integration of the NPCs into the existing neuronal network were analysed using confocal microscopy. To enhance integration, we optimised the culturing medium composition, method, and timing of the injection.
Results: In most cases, the NPCs initiated neuronal polarisation by growing neuronal protrusions; however, round cells with glial morphology were also observed. NPCs survived mainly at the tissue margins and at the injection site, while some migrated deeper into the tissue. These findings demonstrate that NPCs can survive and develop neuronal phenotypes in human cortical slice cultures for up to five weeks without the need for additional trophic factors.
Conclusion: Based on our preliminary findings, our system appears to be a promising platform for studying cell integration and circuit formation in stem cell-based therapies.

Funding: NKFIH K137886, Advanced-150799, SOTE250+, Gedeon Richter Excellence PhD Scholarship