Cortical neurogenesis from pluripotent stem cells: complexity emerging from simplicity.

The cerebral cortex contains dozens of neuronal subtypes grouped in specific layers and areas. Recent studies have revealed how embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (PSC) can differentiate into a wide diversity of cortical neurons in vitro, while recapitulating many of the temporal and spatial features that characterize corticogenesis. PSC-derived neurons can integrate into the brain following in vivo transplantation and display patterns of morphology and connectivity specific of cortical neurons. PSC-corticogenesis thus emerges as a robust model that provides new ways to link cortical development, evolution, and disease.