neural stem cell differentiation

With the unlimited proliferative capacity and extensive differentiation potential, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) present distinct advantages than adult stem cells. In order to avoid the ethical issues, the application of human embryonic stem cell (hES cells) is replaced by human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). which can be generated from various adult somatic cell types via the introduction of four specific transcription factors: OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, and c-MYC. However, these hiPSCs cannot be used directly into patients because of the tumorigenic potential. In this case, a differentiation protocol is an essential prerequisite to direct hiPSCs into specific cell types. As such, the neural differentiation of hiPSCs enables a promising cell source for both regenerative medicine and cell therapy.

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