Directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into corticofugal neurons uncovers heterogeneous Fezf2-expressing subpopulations.

ABSTRACT: Understanding how neuronal diversity is achieved within the cerebral cortex remains a major challenge in neuroscience. The advent of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as a model system provides a unique opportunity to study human corticogenesis in vitro and to identify the mechanisms that promote neuronal differentiation to achieve neuronal diversity in human brain. The transcription factor Fezf2 is necessary and sufficient for the specification of subcerebral projection neurons in mouse. However, its function during human corticogenesis is poorly understood. This study reports the differentiation of a hFezf2-YFP hESC reporter line into corticofugal projection neurons capable of extending axons toward the spinal cord upon transplantation into neonatal mouse brains. Additionally, we show t

SUBMITTER: Kmet M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3691138 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature