Human iPSC-derived hypothalamic organoid model for circadian biology research
A 3D human hypothalamic organoid platform derived from induced pluripotent stem cells that recapitulates the brain's master circadian regulator. Enables screening of natural bioactive compounds and botanical extracts for effects on human circadian rhythms, supporting chronobiology, nutraceutical, and wellness research.
Overview
This offering provides a human-relevant 3D hypothalamic organoid model derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), purpose-built for circadian biology research and bioactive screening. The hypothalamus serves as the brain's master regulator of the biological clock, and this platform delivers a physiologically meaningful human model that overcomes the limitations of 2D cell cultures and species-specific animal models. It enables researchers and industry partners to investigate how natural ingredients and complex botanical extracts influence human circadian function, supporting applications in chronobiology, sleep science, nutraceutical development, and wellness product innovation.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- hiPSC-derived 3D organoids that recapitulate hypothalamic development, architecture, and cellular diversity, including relevant neural and glial populations
- Functional circadian oscillators with measurable clock-gene rhythms, electrophysiological activity, and hormone or neuropeptide secretion
- Entrainment capability allowing controlled phase-shifting studies in response to light cues and bioactive compounds
- Parallel molecular and functional readouts, including Transcription-Translation Feedback Loop (TTFL) analysis, ddPCR for gene expression, ELISA for protein and neuropeptide quantification, and electrophysiological mapping of neuronal firing and synchrony
- Standardised, scalable production enabling reproducible screening of pure compounds and complex extracts such as tocotrienol-rich fractions and Centella asiatica-derived bioactives
- Integrated data analysis correlating molecular clock dynamics with physiological network excitability for mechanistic insight
Technology readiness level
The platform is at an early-to-mid stage of development. Initial work focuses on establishing and validating the organoid model, followed by baseline characterisation of circadian rhythmicity at the molecular and electrophysiological levels. Subsequent validation phases will assess bioactive efficacy through dose-response studies, molecular characterisation, and functional readouts. The model is positioned as a scalable screening tool suitable for collaborative pilot studies and sponsored research partnerships aimed at advancing circadian and bioactive research.
About Universiti Putra Malaysia
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is a comprehensive public research university in Serdang, Greater Kuala Lumpur, with a campus that integrates classroom, laboratory, and field-testing environments. Companies engage through co-located labs, on-campus testbeds, and university-run farms that enable prototyping and trials close to production supply chains. Health system integration and proximity to Putrajaya’s ministries and the Cyberjaya tech corridor facilitate collaboration and timely access to partners. Research is supported by competitive funding from Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and international sponsors. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup support, connecting companies with faculty expertise and specialized facilities.
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