Background
Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain cells are widely utilized as in vitro models for several neuropsychiatric disorders, as they retain the donor’s genetic profile, offering a unique opportunity to study living human brain cells and perform controlled experimental manipulations. In this study, we conducted whole transcriptome sequencing of cortical networks (co-cultures of neurons and astrocytes) derived from 12 participants with bipolar disorder (BD) and 12 participants without a history of mental health disorders. We aimed to identify new molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.
Methods
iPSCs were generated by reprogramming peripheral blood mononuclear cells using episomal vectors. They were then differentiated into neural progenitor cells and matured into cortical networks that express markers of neurons and astrocytes. Whole transcriptome data were obtained using the Illumina NovaSeq X sequencing platform.
Results
Differential expression analysis was performed using DESeq2 in R, and the identified genes were used for gene set enrichment analysis, which identified 191 enriched pathways in BD. Of these, the toll-like signalling pathway, which is downregulated in BD, was further investigated.
Conclusion
Our results suggest a profound immune dysregulation in BD, particularly highlighting the immune system’s role as a complex signalling network.