Since subtle alterations in developmental pathways can produce neurological consequences that only become apparent much later in life,25,26 a developmental model to study neuronal differentiation in BP is required. Because they have tri-lineage differentiation potential similar to human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide the opportunity to study the stepwise differentiation of patient-derived cells into neurons and glia to identify alterations in cell behavior and test novel therapeutic approaches.27,28 In BP, they offer the unique opportunity to obtain a robust source of cells from individuals with prospective longitudinal observations, individuals on or off medications, patients who have had multiple episodes, different diagnoses and treatments, unlike hESC. iPSCs have been derived from patients with neurodegenerative disorders29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and other neuropsychiatric disorders,35, 36, 37, 38 but are just being developed for BP.
