With CMTA support of $201,435, researchers at the University of Antwerp, led by Vincent Timmerman, PhD, are developing a human-derived organoid model to study CMT1A. Using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a person with CMT1A and a genetically matched control, the team is creating neuromuscular organoids that include three key peripheral nerve cell types: motor neurons, Schwann cells, and muscle cells.
June 2026 Update
The Timmerman lab continues working to ensure these organoids can be reliably produced from iPSCs derived from different individuals. Establishing consistent organoid development across multiple cell lines is an important step toward creating a model that reflects the diversity of CMT1A.
The team plans to use this approach to develop a standardized research platform to study CMT1A and evaluate potential treatments. To achieve this goal, they are focused on generating organoids consistently from iPSCs derived from different individuals, helping ensure the model can reliably represent the diversity of CMT1A. This work will help make future findings more broadly applicable across the CMT1A community.
