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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.06.04.657874

Human microglia in brain assembloids display region-specific diversity and respond to hyperexcitable neurons carrying SCN2A mutation

Wu, J.·Chen, X.·Zhang, J.·Wettschurack, K. W.·Robinson, M. J.·Li, W.·Zhao, Y.·Yoo, Y.-E.·Deming, B. A.·Abeyaratna, A. D.·Que, Z.·Du, D.·Tegtmeyer, M. T.·Yuan, C.·Skarnes, W. C.·Rochet, J.-C.·Wu, L.-J.·Yang, Y.
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Abstract

Microglia critically shape neuronal circuit development and function, yet their region-specific properties and roles in distinct circuits of the human brain remain poorly understood. In this study, we generated region-specific brain organoids (cortical, striatal, and midbrain), each integrated with human microglia, to fill this critical gap. Single-cell RNA sequencing uncovered six distinct microglial subtypes exhibiting unique regional signatures, including a subtype highly enriched for the GABAB receptor gene within striatal organoids. To investigate the contributions of microglia to neural circuitry, we created microglia-incorporated midbrain-striatal assembloids, modeling a core circuit node for many neuropsychiatric disorders including autism. Using chemogenetics to activate this midbrain-striatal circuit, we observed increased calcium signaling in microglia involving GABAB receptors. Leveraging this model, we examined microglial responses within neural circuits harboring an SCN2A nonsense (C959X) mutation associated with profound autism. Remarkably, microglia displayed heightened calcium responses to SCN2A mutation-mediated neuronal hyperactivity, and engaged in excessive synaptic pruning. These pathological effects were reversed by pharmacological inhibition of microglial GABAB receptors. Collectively, our findings establish an advanced platform to dissect human neuroimmune interactions in sub-cortical regions, highlighting the important role of microglia in shaping critical circuitry related to neuropsychiatric disorders. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=188 SRC="FIGDIR/small/657874v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (72K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@125b36eorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@270079org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@903525org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@19145c4_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG TeaserModeling regional microglial diversity in sub-cortical regions is challenging. We generated human organoid and assembloid models containing microglia that acquire region-specific heterogeneity. Our work shows dynamic responses of microglia when exposed to hyperexcitable midbrain-striatal circuits, providing an exciting platform to study neuroimmune interactions in human brain development and neuropsychiatric disorders, including SCN2A mutation-mediated monogenic autism. HighlightsO_LI* Single-cell RNA sequencing analyses reveal six distinct microglial subtypes that spontaneously attain unique specialization in human cortical, striatal, and midbrain organoids. C_LIO_LI* Microglia facilitate axonal projections across regional organoids, promoting assembloid formation. C_LIO_LI* Microglia respond to hyperexcitable neurons via calcium signaling and exhibit excessive pruning of neuronal synapses. C_LIO_LI* Blocking microglial GABAB receptors normalizes calcium activity and reduces synaptic pruning, suggesting a potential targeting strategy for synaptic deficits. C_LI

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Wu, J., Chen, X., Zhang, J., Wettschurack, K. W., Robinson, M. J., Li, W., Zhao, Y., Yoo, Y.-E., Deming, B. A., Abeyaratna, A. D., Que, Z., Du, D., Tegtmeyer, M. T., Yuan, C., Skarnes, W. C., Rochet, J.-C., Wu, L.-J., Yang, Y.. 2025-06-04. Human microglia in brain assembloids display region-specific diversity and respond to hyperexcitable neurons carrying SCN2A mutation. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.06.04.657874

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