Neural Tissue Formation (IMAGE) Morgridge Institute for Research Caption Modeling human brain development: Neural tissues were formed in standard 24-well inserts by growing human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells, endothelial cells (blood vessel cells), mesenchymal stem cells (blood vessel support cells), and microglia (brain-specific immune cells) on synthetic hydrogels. These cell types represent the major components of the developing brain and self-organize into highly complex vascularized neural tissues when assembled on synthetic matrices designed to promote initial cell adhesion and which can be remodeled through cell-induced degradation. Shown: Confocal microscopy image illustrating long range organization for neurons (green) and nuclei (blue) within a developing neural construct. The neural tissues were removed from the inserts and placed on a glass bottom petri dish for imaging. Credit Michael Schwartz, UW-Madison Department of Biomedical Engineering Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.