Abstract
Recent progress in the generation of induced neural progenitor cells (iNPCs) holds tremendous potential for regenerative medicine. However, a major limitation is the lack of a reliable source for cell replacement therapy in neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we show that the combination of small molecules (SM) and TAT-mediated protein transduction of SOX2 and LMX1a in a 3D sphere culture directly convert human fibroblasts to induced dopaminergic neural progenitor-like cells (iDPCs). The generated iDPCs expressed various NPC markers (SOX2, PAX6, NESTIN, OLIG2) and midbrain progenitor markers (EN1, LMX1a, FOXA2, WNT1) as detected by immunostaining and real-time PCR. Following differentiation, the majority of cells expressed neuronal dopaminergic markers as indicated by co-expression of TH with NURR1, and/or PITX3. We found that SOX2 and LMX1a TAT-mediated protein transduction in the combination of SM could directly convert human fibroblasts to self-renewal iDPCs. In conclusion, to our best knowledge, this is the first report of generation of safe DPCs and may suggest an alternative strategy for cell therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
