A robust method to derive functional neural crest cells from human pluripotent stem cells.

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Neural crest (NC) cells are vital for forming diverse tissues during embryogenesis.
• Abnormal NC development leads to congenital birth defects.
• Generating specific NC subpopulations from pluripotent stem cells is essential for disease modeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid and robust method for generating neural crest cells from human pluripotent stem cells.
• To create a valuable model system for studying human neural crest development and associated diseases.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a dual SMAD pathway inhibition protocol termed "LSB-short".
• Applied the protocol to multiple human induced pluripotent stem and embryonic stem cell lines.
• Analyzed cell populations for NC marker expression, differentiation potential, and gene expression profiles.

Main Results:

• Achieved high percentages of neural crest cells in 8 days.
• Demonstrated robust propagation and stable NC marker expression over multiple passages.
• Confirmed the generation of cranial, cardiac, and trunk NC subpopulations with appropriate in vivo analogues and functional migration capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The LSB-short protocol provides a rapid and efficient method for generating diverse neural crest cell subpopulations.
• These cells serve as an ideal model system for investigating human neural crest development and congenital disorders.
• This method accelerates research into neural crest-related diseases by offering a faster alternative to existing protocols.