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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Efficient Derivation of Human Neuronal Progenitors and Neurons from Pluripotent Human Embryonic Stem Cells with Small Molecule Induction
Published on: October 28, 2011
Rab31 is expressed in neural progenitor cells and plays a role in their differentiation
Christelle En Lin Chua1, Eyleen Lay Keow Goh2, Bor Luen Tang1
1Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore; NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore.
Abstract:
Rab31 is expressed in both GFAP- and nestin- positive fibres in regions of neurogenic potential in the adult mouse brain. To investigate the role of Rab31 in neural progenitor cells (NPCs), we cultured NPCs and found significant levels of Rab31 expression in these cells. Rab31 levels showed a sharp initial decrease and then reappeared gradually in a subpopulation of astrocytes when NPCs were induced to differentiate. Silencing of Rab31 hindered, while overexpression enhanced, the differentiation of NPCs to astrocytes. Our results suggest a previously unrecognised role for Rab31 in influencing the differentiation and fate of NPCs.
