[Differentiation of embryonic stem cells into neuronal cells in vitro].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the probabilities of embryonic stem (ES) cells differentiating into neuronal cells in vitro.


METHODS
Mouse ES-D3 cells were cultured on the ES conditioned media without mLIF (mouse leukemic inhibitory factor, mLIF) for 4 days until ES cell aggregations was formed (embryonic bodies, EBs). The EBs were dissociated with trypsin and exposed to retinoic acid (RA) for another 4 days, and then replated onto adhesive substrate. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR assay were performed to identify the properties of the differentiated cells.


RESULTS
The treated cells expressed neuronal proteins such as MAP-2 and GFAP. RT-PCR assay further identified that the induced cells expressed transcripts for neural associated genes including GABA-gamma subunit receptor, brain factor-1 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH).


CONCLUSIONS
ES cells can be successfully induced into neuronal cells expressing multiple properties of neurons in vitro, which could provide resourceful materials for neural transplantation.
Tang
S
S
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China.
Qiu
G
G
Huang
B
B
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology; D051379:Mice; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000494:pharmacology*
D014212:Tretinoin