Research progress in brain organoids in neural development and related diseases

Brain organoids are three-dimensional in vitro models that mimic the structure and function of human neural tissue. Current methodologies involve whole-brain organoids and region-specific organoids, with emerging protocols for vascularization, immunocompetence, and multi-organ integration. As an innovative technological platform bridging basic research and clinical applications, brain organoids promise broad prospects in organ development modeling, elucidation of disease mechanisms, drug screening, and regenerative medicine, having become a vital tool for studying neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. However, such challenges persist as limited structural complexity, incomplete functional maturation, and asynchronous development, which constrain their ability to fully recapitulate the human brain. This review summarizes recent advances in research on brain organoids, highlighting their potential in studying the development of the nervous system and associated disorders. Problems that remain to be solved are also outlined in order to provide data and references for future research in this field.