Age-relevant in vitro models may lead to improved translational research for traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health problem affecting both children and adults. Although TBI studies have been focused on neurons, glial cells play an important role in neuropathology following injury. As the consequences of TBI are age-dependent, it is essential that in vitro and in vivo models are fully representative of clinical outcomes. Traditionally, in vitro models that focused on TBI-induced glial cell dysfunction use primary cells isolated from neonatal rodents, or cell lines. These models are widely used to elucidate molecular pathways affected by the injury; however, they fail to account for age-related differences. As glial characteristics are known to change during maturation, it is important to explore new age-relevant in vitro models leading to improved translation research and advancements in therapeutic strategies for TBI.