Fast Generation of Functional Subtype Astrocytes from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Publication date: Available online 27 September 2018Source: Stem Cell ReportsAuthor(s): Xiang Li, Yezheng Tao, Robert Bradley, Zhongwei Du, Yunlong Tao, Linghai Kong, Yi Dong, Jeffrey Jones, Yuanwei Yan, Cole R.K. Harder, Lindsay Morgan Friedman, Magd Bilal, Brianna Hoffmann, Su-Chun ZhangSummaryDifferentiation of astrocytes from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is a tedious and variable process. This hampers the study of hPSC-generated astrocytes in disease processes and drug development. By using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated inducible expression of NFIA or NFIA plus SOX9 in hPSCs, we developed a method to efficiently generate astrocytes in 4–7 weeks. The astrocytic identity of the induced cells was verified by their characteristic molecular and functional properties as well as after transplantation. Furthermore, we developed a strategy to generate region-specific astrocyte subtypes by combining differentiation of regional progenitors and transgenic induction of astrocytes. This simple and efficient method offers a new opportunity to study the fundamental biology of human astrocytes and their roles in disease processes.Graphical Abstract
Source: Stem Cell Reports - Category: Stem Cells Source Type: research