Neurons in a Dish: A Review of In Vitro Cell Models for Studying Neurogenesis

Abstract

Understanding neurogenesis, the complex biological process of generating new neurons, is crucial for understanding brain development, function, and potential therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders. Due to the inherent difficulty of directly observing neurogenesis in the human brain, researchers heavily rely on cell models to simulate this process under controlled conditions. These models serve as invaluable tools to understand the mechanisms underlying the different stages of neurogenesis, helping researchers explore how neurons are generated, mature, and integrate into neural networks, thereby contributing to both normal brain function and neurological disorders. Therefore, this work provides a comprehensive overview of different cell models commonly used in neurogenesis research, from primary cultures and stem cells to immortalized cell lines. This compilation highlights the strengths and limitations of each cell model, which ultimately allows researchers to select the most appropriate model system for their research, thus enhancing the efforts towards unraveling the mysteries of the brain. (Figure presented.).