Derivation of human differential photoreceptor-like cells from the iris by defined combinations of CRX, RX and NEUROD.

ABSTRACT: Examples of direct differentiation by defined transcription factors have been provided for beta-cells, cardiomyocytes and neurons. In the human visual system, there are four kinds of photoreceptors in the retina. Neural retina and iris-pigmented epithelium (IPE) share a common developmental origin, leading us to test whether human iris cells could differentiate to retinal neurons. We here define the transcription factor combinations that can determine human photoreceptor cell fate. Expression of rhodopsin, blue opsin and green/red opsin in induced photoreceptor cells were dependent on combinations of transcription factors: A combination of CRX and NEUROD induced rhodopsin and blue opsin, but did not induce green opsin; a combination of CRX and RX induced blue opsin and green/red opsin, but

SUBMITTER: Seko Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3338414 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature