Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Rapid and Efficient Generation of Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in a Multititre Plate Format
07:27

Rapid and Efficient Generation of Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in a Multititre Plate Format

Published on: March 5, 2013

Highly efficient neural conversion of human ES and iPS cells by dual inhibition of SMAD signaling

Stuart M Chambers1, Christopher A Fasano, Eirini P Papapetrou

  • 1Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave., New York, New York 10065, USA. chambers@mskcc.org

Nature Biotechnology
|March 3, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study introduces a new method for neural induction using Noggin and SB431542, achieving rapid and efficient neural conversion of human stem cells. This approach simplifies protocols and enhances potential applications in regenerative medicine and disease modeling.

Area of Science:

  • Stem cell biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Current human embryonic stem cell (hES) neural induction methods involve embryoid bodies, feeder cells, or selective survival, presenting challenges like undefined conditions, slow differentiation, and low yields.
  • These limitations hinder the effective use of hES cells in research and clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a more efficient and robust protocol for neural induction of human pluripotent stem cells.
  • To investigate the synergistic effects of Noggin and SB431542 on neural differentiation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a combination of Noggin and SB431542 inhibitors targeting SMAD signaling.
  • Employed adherent culture conditions for neural conversion of hES cells.
  • Analyzed temporal cell fate and directed differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells.

Main Results:

  • Achieved rapid and complete neural conversion of over 80% of hES cells using Noggin and SB431542.
  • Identified a transient epiblast-like stage (FGF5+) followed by PAX6+ neural cells.
  • Demonstrated successful directed differentiation into midbrain dopamine and spinal motoneurons from hiPS cells.

Conclusions:

  • The Noggin/SB431542 protocol offers a simplified, efficient, and robust method for neural induction of human pluripotent stem cells.
  • This protocol overcomes drawbacks of existing methods, paving the way for enhanced applications in regenerative medicine and disease modeling.
  • The method is applicable to both hES and hiPS cells, highlighting its generalizability.

More Related Videos

Efficient Neural Differentiation using Single-Cell Culture of Human Embryonic Stem Cells11:17

Efficient Neural Differentiation using Single-Cell Culture of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Published on: January 18, 2020

Derivation of Adult Human Fibroblasts and their Direct Conversion into Expandable Neural Progenitor Cells13:58

Derivation of Adult Human Fibroblasts and their Direct Conversion into Expandable Neural Progenitor Cells

Published on: July 29, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells01:06

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different cell types. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are terminally differentiated; however, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they dedifferentiate and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Somatic cells are...
iPS Cell Differentiation01:22

iPS Cell Differentiation

The ability of induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs to differentiate into most body cell types has stimulated repair and regenerative medicine research over the past few decades. iPSC-derived blood cells, hepatocytes, beta islet cells, cardiomyocytes, neurons, and other cell types can repair injuries or regenerate damaged tissue in diseases such as diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.
EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research01:21

EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research

Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are excellent models for disease research because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate into most cell types. Somatic cells from a patient are isolated and reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs. These iPSCs are later differentiated into the desired cell type, which mirrors the diseased cell of the patient. In this way, disease models have been created for investigating diseases such as Down syndrome, type I diabetes,...