Reprogramming somatic cells to cells with neuronal characteristics by defined medium both in vitro and in vivo.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Currently, direct conversion from somatic cells to neurons requires virus-mediated delivery of at least one transcriptional factor or a combination of several small-molecule compounds. Delivery of transcriptional factors may affect genome stability, while small-molecule compounds may require more evaluations when applied in vivo. Thus, a defined medium with only conventional growth factors or additives for cell culture is desirable for inducing neuronal trans-differentiation.

Results

Here, we report that a defined medium (5C) consisting of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), N2 supplement, leukemia inhibitory factor, vitamin C (Vc), and β-mercaptoethanol (βMe) induces the direct conversion of somatic cells to cells with neuronal characteristics. Application of

SUBMITTER: He S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4696146 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature