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Abstract #23428 Published in IGR 11-2
In vitro differentiation of retinal ganglion-like cells from embryonic stem cell derived neural progenitors
Jagatha B; Divya MS; Sanalkumar R; Indulekha CL; Vidyanand S; Divya TS; Das AV; James JBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 2009; 380: 230-235
See also comment(s) by Khang Zhang •
ES cells have been reported to serve as an excellent source for obtaining various specialized cell types and could be used in cell replacement therapy. Here, we demonstrate the potential of ES cells to differentiate along retinal ganglion cell (RGC) lineage. FGF2-induced ES cell derived neural progenitors (ES-NPs) were able to generate RGC-like cells in vitro upon differentiation. These cells expressed RGC regulators and markers such as, Ath5, Brn3b, RPF-1, Thy-1 and Islet-1, confirming their potential to differentiate into RGCs. The generation of RGCs from ES-NPs was enhanced with the exposure of FGF2 and Sonic hedgehog (Shh), although Shh treatment alone did not affect RGC differentiation significantly. ES-NPs, after exposure to FGF2, were capable of integrating and differentiating into RGCs in vivo upon transplantation. Thus, our study suggests that ES cells can serve an excellent renewable source for generating RGCs that can be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases like glaucoma.
J. James. Neuro-Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Neurobiology, Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 014, India. jjames@rgcb.res.in
Classification:
2.17 Stem cells (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
