PLX233166

GSE64882: Conversion of Human Fibroblasts to Stably Self-Renewing Neural Stem Cells with a Single Zinc-Finger Transcription Factor

• Organsim human
• Type RNASEQ
• Target gene
• Project ARCHS4

Direct conversion of somatic cells into neural stem cells (NSCs) by defined factors holds great promise for mechanistic studies, drug screening, and potential cell therapies for different neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we report that a single zinc-finger transcription factor, Zfp521, is sufficient for direct conversion of human fibroblasts into long-term self-renewable and multipotent NSCs. In vitro, Zfp521-induced NSCs maintained their characteristics in the absence of exogenous factor expression and exhibited morphological, molecular, developmental, and functional properties that were similar to control NSCs. Additionally, the single seeded induced NSCs were able to form NSC colonies with efficiency comparable to control NSCs and expressed NSC markers. The converted cells were capable of surviving, migrating and attaining neural phenotypes after transplantation into neonatal mouse- and adult rat brains, without forming tumors. Moreover, the Zfp521-induced NSCs predominantly expressed rostral genes. Our results suggest a facilitated approach for establishing human NSCs through Zfp521-driven conversion of fibroblasts. SOURCE: Joachim Schultze (j.schultze@uni-bonn.de) - LIMES (Life and Medical Sciences Center Genomics and Immunoregulation)