Combined small-molecule inhibition accelerates the derivation of functional cortical neurons from human pluripotent stem cells.

ABSTRACT: Considerable progress has been made in converting human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into functional neurons. However, the protracted timing of human neuron specification and functional maturation remains a key challenge that hampers the routine application of hPSC-derived lineages in disease modeling and regenerative medicine. Using a combinatorial small-molecule screen, we previously identified conditions to rapidly differentiate hPSCs into peripheral sensory neurons. Here we generalize the approach to central nervous system (CNS) fates by developing a small-molecule approach for accelerated induction of early-born cortical neurons. Combinatorial application of six pathway inhibitors induces post-mitotic cortical neurons with functional electrophysiological properties by day 16 of diff

SUBMITTER: Qi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5516899 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature