Induction of Human Pruriceptors from Pluripotent Stem Cells via Transcription Factors.

ABSTRACT: Pruriception is crucial for defense against external stimuli but can lead to chronic pruritus, a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide. Our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the sensation of itch has been hindered by the lack of functional human models. Here, we address this limitation by developing a protocol to generate induced pruriceptors (iPruriceptors) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). We compared two differentiation approaches: a direct method via forced expression of transcription factors (TFs) in hPSCs, and a 2-step process through expression of TFs in hPSC-derived neural crest cells (NCCs). The 2-step protocol proved superior in inducing a transcriptional program that closely resembles that of human pruriceptors. Our optimized pr

SUBMITTER: Iriki H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12259104 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature