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iPSC-Derived Optogenetic Motor Neurons

Assay-Ready, Light-Activated Human Motor Neurons for Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ) Research

iPSC Motor Neuron Line ChR2 Expression Format Key Feature
CB-MN-6-inOPTO

Inducible ChR2 6 Million Cryopreserved Cells Male genetic background.
CB-MN-24-inOPTO

Inducible ChR2 6 Million Cryopreserved Cells Female genetic background. Isogenic skeletal muscle line available as a companion product.

*All lines are activated by blue light (~450 nm). Cells are for research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

💡 Special Pricing: Available for first-time orders. Contact us for academic and bulk volume pricing.
Request a Quote to Order
 
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Precise Optical Control of Human Motor Neurons

Curi Bio's iPSC-derived motor neurons are CRISPR-engineered to express channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), so blue light triggers neuronal firing on demand. Validated in our 3D human neuromuscular junction (NMJ) model on Mantarray™, they fit any application that benefits from precise, non-invasive optical stimulation.

 

Light-Evoked NMJ Function

Blue light pulses induce neuron-driven twitches in 3D NMJ tissues with nearly 100% pulse capture.

Neurotoxin Potency Testing

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) dose-dependently inhibits light-stimulated NMJ contraction. IC50 = 2.35 ng (95% CI: 0.767–7.21 ng).

 
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  • Electrode-free stimulation: Trigger firing on demand with ~450 nm light, with no electrodes in your culture and no direct activation of co-cultured cells.

  • Selective, inducible control: Blue light drives only ChR2+ motor neurons. Doxycycline-inducible expression enables precise on and off control of ChR2.

  • Human-relevant neurotoxin testing: Measure BoNT potency through a functional human NMJ readout using a cell-based approach that can complement or reduce reliance on the mouse LD50 bioassay.

 
 

Applications

Explore Our 3D Human Neuromuscular Junction Model

Our optogenetic motor neurons power Curi Bio’s 3D human NMJ model, in which engineered skeletal muscle tissues are innervated by light-controlled motor neurons and contractile function is measured on Mantarray™. The result is a human-relevant system for studying neuromuscular function, neurotoxin potency and compound effects without relying on animal models, supporting the growing shift toward new approach methodologies (NAMs).

3D NMJ Model

Histological Characterization of NMJs

 
 

Begin Your Optogenetic Research Today

With Curi Bio’s iPSC-Derived Optogenetic Motor Neurons, you gain light-controlled human motor neurons for neuromuscular and neuronal assays, backed by expert scientific support.

  • Beyond the NMJ: Use optical stimulation on MEA, in neuron–target co-cultures, or for stimulation training and maturation, wherever precise, electrode-free control is needed.

  • Matched muscle partner: Pair the CB-MN-24-inOPTO line with its isogenic skeletal muscle line, available as a companion product, for genetically matched NMJ models.

  • Complete culture workflow: Curi Bio’s Motor Neuron and NMJ Media support every step, from cell thaw and neurosphere formation to neuromuscular co-culture and functional readouts.

Speak to a specialist to find the right optogenetic motor neuron line for your research workflow.

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