Abstract
Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells capable of forming differentiated embryoid bodies (EBs) in culture. We examined the ability of growth factors under controlled conditions to increase the number of human ES cell-derived neurons. Retinoic acid (RA) and nerve growth factor (betaNGF) were found to be potent enhancers of neuronal differentiation, eliciting extensive outgrowth of processes and the expression of neuron-specific molecules. Our findings show that human ES cells have great potential to become an unlimited cell source for neurons in culture. These cells may then be used in transplantation therapies for neural pathologies.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
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Brain Tissue Transplantation / methods*
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Cell Culture Techniques / methods
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Cell Differentiation / drug effects*
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Cell Differentiation / physiology
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Cells, Cultured / cytology
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Cells, Cultured / drug effects*
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Cells, Cultured / metabolism
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Dopa Decarboxylase / genetics
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Fetus
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / drug effects
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology
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Growth Substances / pharmacology*
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Humans
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Nerve Growth Factor / pharmacology
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Neurites / drug effects
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Neurites / metabolism
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Neurites / ultrastructure
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Neurofilament Proteins / genetics
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Neurons / cytology
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Neurons / drug effects*
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Neurons / metabolism
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RNA, Messenger / drug effects
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism
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Receptors, Dopamine / genetics
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Receptors, Serotonin / genetics
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Stem Cells / cytology
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Stem Cells / drug effects*
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Stem Cells / metabolism
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / pharmacology
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Tretinoin / pharmacology
Substances
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Growth Substances
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Neurofilament Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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Receptors, Dopamine
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Receptors, Serotonin
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Transforming Growth Factor beta
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neurofilament protein L
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neurofilament protein H
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Tretinoin
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Nerve Growth Factor
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Dopa Decarboxylase