Rapid conversion of fibroblasts into functional forebrain GABAergic interneurons by direct genetic reprogramming

ABSTRACT: Transplantation of GABAergic interneurons (INs) can sustain long-standing benefits in animal models of epilepsy and other neurological disorders. In a therapeutic perspective, a renewable source of functional GABAergic INs is needed. Here, we identified five factors (Foxg1, Sox2, Ascl1, Dlx5 and Lhx6) able to convert fibroblasts directly into induced GABAergic INs (iGABA-INs), displaying the molecular signature of telencephalic INs. The selected factors recapitulate in fibroblasts the activation of transcriptional networks required for the specification of GABAergic fate during telencephalon development. iGABA-INs exhibited progressively maturing firing patterns comparable to those of cortical INs, had synaptic currents and released GABA. Importantly, upon grafting in the hippocampus, iGAB

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

SUBMITTER: Vania Broccoli 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-74065 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress