Advances in spinal cord organoid research: from basic construction to disease modeling and regenerative repair

doi:10.3877/cma.j.issn.2095-9141.2026.02.001

Abstract

Abstract:

Spinal cord organoids are derived from induced pluripotent stem cells through directed differentiation and can closely recapitulate key features of spinal cord tissue, containing multiple cell types such as motor neurons, GABAergic interneurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. The establishment of the first functional spinal cord organoid in 2018 enabled the construction of an in vitro model that progresses from single cells to multicellular structures. Although animal models have helped humans understand the mechanisms of spinal cord-related diseases, species differences between humans and animals prevent the accurate recapitulation of human pathological features. The emergence of spinal cord organoids overcomes this limitation, providing a foundation for developmental biology research, a potential bioengineering approach for regenerative medicine, and a platform for studying the mechanisms of spinal cord diseases and promoting functional recovery. Therefore, this review systematically summarizes the core advances in spinal cord organoids, including the construction of spinal cord organoids using various patterning strategies, disease modeling, and current applications in regenerative medicine. It also discusses a series of current challenges and limitations, with the aim of offering perspectives for future research directions and facilitating the clinical translation of spinal cord organoids.

Key words: Spinal cord organoids, Induced pluripotent stem cells, Spinal cord injury, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Spinal muscular atrophy, Neural regeneration, Disease modeling

Jin Zhang, Ruxiang Xu. Advances in spinal cord organoid research: from basic construction to disease modeling and regenerative repair[J]. Chinese Journal of Neurotraumatic Surgery(Electronic Edition), 2026, 12(02): 65-72.

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