Modeling neural tube development by differentiation of human embryonic stem cells in a microfluidic WNT gradient.

ABSTRACT: The study of brain development in humans is limited by the lack of tissue samples and suitable in vitro models. Here, we model early human neural tube development using human embryonic stem cells cultured in a microfluidic device. The approach, named microfluidic-controlled stem cell regionalization (MiSTR), exposes pluripotent stem cells to signaling gradients that mimic developmental patterning. Using a WNT-activating gradient, we generated a neural tissue exhibiting progressive caudalization from forebrain to midbrain to hindbrain, including formation of isthmic organizer characteristics. Single-cell transcriptomics revealed that rostro-caudal organization was already established at 24 h of differentiation, and that the first markers of a neural-specific transcription program emerged in

SUBMITTER: Rifes P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7616963 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature