Multielectrode array characterization of human iPSC-derived motor neuron disease model for ALS drug discovery

A rapid 20-day, thaw-to-data protocol using Axol Bioscience motor neurons, Accelerator supplement and Axion BioSystems’ Maestro Pro.

Key findings:

• Four human iPSC lines, 3 from donors with ALS and 1 unaffected donor, were successfully differentiated to functional motor neurons.
• The use of the ‘Accelerator’ supplement to mimic in vivo like environment enabled assay ready, functional firing of motor neurons in ~10 days.
• Used in conjunction with the Maestro Pro, the ”thaw-to-data” time was ~20 days.
• Motor neurons derived from ALS donor iPSCs were morphologically different to those from unaffected donors.
• Through MEA analysis, morphological differences corresponded to functional phenotype differences including the key attribute of hyperexcitability.