Priming of pluripotent stem cells for neural differentiation

摘要

Methods and composition for differentiation of pluripotent stem cells are provided. For example, in certain aspects methods including priming stem cells for neural differentiation in a culture medium essentially free of growth factors such as FGF and TGFβ. As an advantage, the neural cells may be provided with improved consistency and purity.

主权项

1. A method for producing human neural cells, comprising:
a) culturing a population of human pluripotent stem cells in a medium comprising transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) that maintains cell pluripotency; b) priming the pluripotent stem cells, prior to aggregate formation, in an adherent culture and in a serum-free culture medium essentially free of externally added TGFβ and bFGF and in the absence of murine feeder cells; wherein priming occurs for at least one day; and wherein the levels of TGFβ and bFGF are gradually reduced; c) forming aggregates from the cells in step b) in a suspension culture; and d) further differentiating the aggregates into a cell population comprising neural cells, thereby producing human neural cells.