Identifying Cell Surface Markers for Isolating Neural Stem Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Yuan Shauna H., Martin Jody, Elia Jeanne, Flippin Jessica, Paramban Rosanto I., Hefferan Mike P., Vidal Jason G., Mu Yangling, Killian Rhiannon L., Israel Mason A., Emre Nil, Marsala Silvia, Marsala Martin, Gage Fred H., Goldstein Lawrence S. B., Carson Christian T.
Primary Institution: Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego
Hypothesis
Can specific cell surface markers be used to isolate pure populations of neural stem cells, glia, and neurons from human pluripotent stem cells?
Conclusion
The study successfully identified cell surface signatures that allow for the isolation of highly pure populations of neural stem cells, glia, and neurons from human pluripotent stem cells.
Supporting Evidence
- Identified cell surface signatures for isolating neural stem cells, glia, and neurons.
- Sorted neural stem cells could be propagated for many passages.
- Purified neurons expressed mature neuronal markers and could fire action potentials.
- Purified glia were mitotic and could mature to astrocytes in vitro and in vivo.
- Methods enable downstream studies requiring consistent neural cell populations.
Takeaway
Scientists found special markers on cells that help them pick out the right types of brain cells from a mixed group, making it easier to study and use them.
Methodology
The study used fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and immunophenotyping with 190 antibodies to identify cell surface markers on human embryonic stem cells and their derivatives.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the selection of markers based on previous studies and the variability in cell culture conditions.
Limitations
The methods may not be universally applicable to all neural induction cultures and may require further validation across different cell lines.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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