Derivation of Haploid Neural Stem Cell Lines by Selection for a Pax6-GFP Reporter

Haploid cells facilitate genetic screening of recessive mutations for a single set of chromosomes. Haploid embryonic stem cells (haESCs) have been achieved in several species and widely utilized in genetic screens. The fact that haESCs undergo substantial diploidization during differentiation has limited the screening to other haploid cell types. In this study, we report a method to establish haploid neural stem cells (haNSCs) by selection for a Pax6 reporter. We inserted a green fluorescence protein (GFP) marker gene by homologous recombination into the Pax6 locus of an haESC line. GFP-positive haploid cells could be sorted and further cultured in the NSC medium for more than 30 passages. The established haNSCs expressed neural lineage markers and could differentiate into neurons, oligodendroglia, and astrocytes. Our study shows the feasibility of deriving haploid proliferative somatic cell lines using a genetically encoded reporter that suggest a system for genetic screening of neural and retinal development.