Human cortical neurons rapidly generated by embryonic stem cell programming integrate into the stroke-injured rat cortex.

ABSTRACT: Stem cell sources capable of producing appropriate cells for replacement will be necessary for functional repair of the injured brain. Here, we have determined whether transcription factor programming of human embryonic stem (hES) cells can be used to generate layer-specific cortical neurons capable of integrating into the stroke-injured rat cortex. Human embryonic stem cells were programmed via overexpression of neurogenin 2 (NGN2). After 7 days, hES-induced neurons (hES-iNs) were characterized in vitro using immunocytochemistry, RT-qPCR, and whole-cell patch-clamp. Cortical ischemic stroke was induced in rats via distal middle cerebral artery occlusion. Forty-eight hours later, hES-iNs were transplanted into the somatosensory cortex adjacent to the ischemic lesion. Three months thereafte

SUBMITTER: Martinez-Curiel R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12532315 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature