A rosette-type, self-renewing human ES cell-derived neural stem cell with potential for in vitro instruction and synaptic integration.
An intriguing question in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) biology is whether these pluripotent cells can give rise to stably expandable somatic stem cells, which are still amenable to extrinsic fate instruction. Here, we present a pure population of long-term self-renewing rosette-type hESC-derived neural stem cells (lt-hESNSCs), which exhibit extensive self-renewal, clonogenicity, and stable neurogenesis. Although lt-hESNSCs show a restricted expression of regional transcription factors, they retain responsiveness to instructive cues promoting the induction of distinct subpopulations, such as ventral midbrain and spinal cord fates. Using lt-hESNSCs as a donor source for neural transplantation, we provide direct evidence that hESC-derived neurons can establish synaptic connectivity with the mammalian nervous system. Combining long-term stability, maintenance of rosette-properties and phenotypic plasticity, lt-hESNSCs may serve as useful tool to study mechanisms of human NSC self-renewal, lineage segregation, and functional in vivo integration.
Koch
Philipp
P
Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life and Brain Center, University of Bonn and Hertie Foundation, D-53127 Bonn, Germany.
Opitz
Thoralf
T
Steinbeck
Julius A
JA
Ladewig
Julia
J
Brüstle
Oliver
O
D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002460:Cell Line; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000145:classification / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D014157:Transcription Factors