STEMdiff Choroid Plexus Org Diff Kit

A defined, serum-free cell culture medium kit from STEMCELL Technologies enables the robust generation of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived choroid plexus organoids through a five-stage protocol that can produce organoids in approximately 30 days from hES or iPS cells. Choroid plexus organoids are three-dimensional in vitro models with a cellular composition and structural organization representative of the developing human blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier. The kit has been optimized to increase efficiency and reproducibility of organoid formation based on the formulation published by Pellegrini et al., which was awarded a 3Rs Prize for breakthroughs in animal reduction, replacement, and refinement.

Organoid formation is initiated through an intermediate embryoid body (EB) formation step, followed by expansion of neuroepithelia and patterning to choroid plexus-like epithelium. After maturation, organoids feature cystic structures filled with a fluid resembling CSF, surrounded by an epithelial layer expressing ependymal choroid plexus-specific markers (TTR, CLIC6, AQP1). The kit is intended for research applications such as CNS permeability and CSF biomarker assays. For extended periods of organoid culture beyond 40 days, the components required for organoid maturation can be purchased as a separate maturation kit.

The kit components include Neural Organoid Basal Media 3 and 4, and Supplements E through J, with specified storage temperatures (2 - 8°C for basal media, -20°C for most supplements) and a shelf life of 2 years from date of manufacture for most components. Some supplements contain material derived from human plasma; donors have been tested and found negative for HIV-1 and -2, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The product is for research use only and is not intended for human or animal diagnostic or therapeutic uses.