Compact transcription factor cassettes generate functional, engraftable motor neurons by direct conversion.

ABSTRACT: Direct conversion generates patient-specific, disease-relevant cell types, such as neurons, that are rare, limited, or difficult to isolate from common and easily accessible cells, such as skin cells. However, low rates of direct conversion and complex protocols limit scalability and, thus, the potential of cell-fate conversion for biomedical applications. Here, we optimize the conversion protocol by examining process parameters, including transcript design; delivery via adeno-associated virus (AAV), retrovirus, and lentivirus; cell seeding density; and the impact of media conditions. Thus, we report a compact, portable conversion process that boosts proliferation and increases direct conversion of mouse fibroblasts to induced motor neurons (iMNs) to achieve high conversion rates of above

SUBMITTER: Wang NB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12207523 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature