Retinoic acid induction of ES-cell-derived neurons: the radial glia connection.
Neuronal induction by retinoic acid (RA) is commonly used in embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation. Two recent papers show that this paradigm induces a population of neurogenic precursors with properties of radial glia. Upon differentiation, RA-treated cells give rise to a defined and developmentally restricted neuronal lineage. This role of RA in cell fate specification provides new perspectives for studying the radial glia-neuron transition and for generating homogenous populations of neurons from ES cells.
Glaser
Tamara
T
Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Life & Brain Center and Hertie Foundation, D-53105 Bonn, Germany.
Brüstle
Oliver
O
D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000187:drug effects; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology*; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000494:pharmacology*
D014212:Tretinoin