In Vitro Functional Characterization of Human Neurons and Astrocytes Using Calcium Imaging and Electrophysiology

Recent progress in stem cell biology and epigenetic reprogramming has opened up previously unimaginable possibilities to study and develop regenerative approaches for neurological disorders. Human neurons and glial cells can be generated by differentiation of embryonic and neural stem cells and from somatic cells through reprogramming to pluripotency (followed by differentiation) as well as by direct conversion. All of these cells have the potential to be used for studying and treating neurological disorders. However, before considering using human neural cells derived from these sources for modelling or regenerative purposes, they need to be verified in terms of functionality and similarity to endogenous cells in the central nervous system (CNS).In this chapter, we describe how to assess functionality of neurons and astrocytes derived from stem cells and through direct reprogramming, using calcium imaging and electrophysiology.