Electrophysiological evaluation of engrafted stem cell-derived neurons.
Recent advances in the neural stem cell field have provided a wealth of methods for generating large amounts of purified neuronal precursor cells. It has become a question of paramount importance to determine whether these cells integrate and interact with established neural circuitry after engraftment. In principle, neurons have to fulfill three basic functions: receive incoming signals via synapses, compute and forward processed information to other neurons or effector cells. It is anticipated that functionally integrating stem cell-derived donor neurons perform accordingly. Here we provide protocols for the efficient electrophysiological evaluation of engrafted cells and highlight current limitations thereof.
Opitz
Thoralf
T
Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn and Hertie Foundation, Bonn, Germany.
Scheffler
Björn
B
Steinfarz
Barbara
B
Schmandt
Tanja
T
Brüstle
Oliver
O
D000818:Animals; D004594:Electrophysiology / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000166:cytology; D008297:Male; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*