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Author Spotlight: Robust Culture of Human Enteric Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
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Skin-derived precursors generate enteric-type neurons in aganglionic jejunum
Justin P Wagner1, Veronica F Sullins1, James C Y Dunn2
1Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1749, USA.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|December 10, 2014
Summary
Skin-derived precursor cells (SKPs) can regenerate the enteric nervous system in Hirschsprung's disease. These cells migrate and form new nerve ganglia in affected intestines within weeks of transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Hirschsprung's disease involves aganglionosis of the enteric nervous system.
- Skin-derived precursor cells (SKPs) show potential for enteric nervous system regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the time-course of SKP-derived gangliogenesis.
- To assess enteric neurotransmitter synthesis by transplanted SKPs in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Adult rat jejunal segments were chemically denervated.
- Neonatal rat SKPs expressing GFP were cultured and transplanted.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to track SKP differentiation and neurotransmitter expression.
Main Results:
- GFP+ SKPs migrated to the muscularis propria within days.
- SKP-derived neuroglial clusters formed between muscle layers by post-transplant day 14.
- Neurotransmitter synthesis markers were detected in SKP clusters by post-transplant day 21.
Conclusions:
- SKPs can differentiate into enteric neuroglia in vivo.
- SKPs migrate and form enteric ganglia in aganglionic intestine.
- SKPs hold promise for treating Hirschsprung's disease.
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