Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer a versatile platform for modeling human neurons, allowing the generation of excitatory neurons for in vitro models. Recording neuronal ion channels in hiPSC-derived neurons is key to understanding their electrophysiological properties, including neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission.

By capturing the dynamics of ion channel currents such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, researchers can explore healthy neuronal physiology as well as investigate dysfunctions linked to neurological diseases like epilepsy, autism, and neurodegenerative disorders. These models provide a valuable tool for studying disease mechanisms and testing potential therapeutic interventions in a patient-specific context.

In our latest application report, we used genetically engineered Granulin R493X frontotemporal dementia (FTD) hiPSC neurons from FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics to investigate the correlation of ion channel function, K_v, Na_v, and AMPA receptors, to neuron excitability. To characterize FTD hiPSC-derived neurons and compare them to healthy hiPSC-derived neurons, we developed a QPatch automated patch clamp assay, with a sequence of voltage- and current clamp protocols, that has the potential to reveal how ion channel function and expression are linked to neuron excitability and contributes to FTD-related neuronal dysfunction. These measurements offer insights into disease mechanisms, potential therapeutic targets, and drug discovery for this neurodegenerative disorder.

The application report and related research was developed by Sophion Bioscience in collaboration with FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics.