Title:Forward Programming of Pluripotent Stem Cells to Neurons
VOLUME: 21 ISSUE: 1
Author(s):Jinchao Gu, Brett Cromer and Huseyin Sumer*
Affiliation:Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne
Keywords:Programming, Embryonic stem cells, Pluripotent stem cells, Neuronal differentiation, Neurons,
Transcription factor.
Abstract:Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are powerful tools for studying developmental
biology and neuronal diseases. Conventional differentiation protocols require several
intermediate states and different culture conditions, inefficiently generating mixed
subtypes of neuronal cells with immature characteristics. Direct programming of PSCs
by forced expression of neuronal transcription factors has shown rapid cell fate
determination with high purity as it can bypass sequential developmental steps that
traditional culture requires. In this review, we focus on neuronal differentiation from
PSCs to specific subtypes by various transcription factors. Furthermore, the potential
applications and limitations of this novel technology are discussed.
