Small molecule valproic acid enhances ventral patterning of human neural tube organoids by regulating Wnt and Shh signalling
2025

Valproic Acid Enhances Ventral Patterning of Human Neural Tube Organoids

Sample size: 300 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zheng Yuanyuan, Zhang Fangrong, Nie Haifeng, Li Xinyu, Xun Jiali, Fu Jianping, Wu Lijun

Primary Institution: Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology Anhui University

Hypothesis

Modulation of valproic acid in the human neural tube organoids culture will promote dorsal differentiation of hNTOs.

Conclusion

Valproic acid enhances the generation of more reproducible, ventrally self-patterned human neural tube organoids by inducing Wnt signaling and suppressing Shh signaling.

Supporting Evidence

  • VPA treatment increased the efficiency of ventrally patterned hNTOs from 15% to 41%.
  • RNA sequencing revealed significant upregulation of Wnt signaling genes in VPA-treated organoids.
  • Western-blot analysis confirmed increased levels of GLI3R proteins after VPA treatment.

Takeaway

Valproic acid helps make better brain organoids by changing how certain signals work, which helps them develop properly.

Methodology

The study used RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR to analyze gene expression changes in human neural tube organoids treated with valproic acid.

Limitations

The study did not compare the effects of Wnt signaling specific activators and valproic acid on dorsal and ventral patterning of hNTOs.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1111/cpr.13737

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication