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Efficient Neural Differentiation using Single-Cell Culture of Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Published on: January 18, 2020
Artificial cells drive neural differentiation
Ö Duhan Toparlak1, Jacopo Zasso1, Simone Bridi1
1Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy.
Abstract:
We report the construction of artificial cells that chemically communicate with mammalian cells under physiological conditions. The artificial cells respond to the presence of a small molecule in the environment by synthesizing and releasing a potent protein signal, brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Genetically controlled artificial cells communicate with engineered human embryonic kidney cells and murine neural stem cells. The data suggest that artificial cells are a versatile chassis for the in situ synthesis and on-demand release of chemical signals that elicit desired phenotypic changes of eukaryotic cells, including neuronal differentiation. In the future, artificial cells could be engineered to go beyond the capabilities of typical smart drug delivery vehicles by synthesizing and delivering specific therapeutic molecules tailored to distinct physiological conditions.
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