CONVERSION OF NON-NEURONAL CELLS INTO NEURONS

摘要

The subject invention concerns materials and methods for conversion of non-neuronal cells into neurons. The subject invention also concerns methods for screening drugs and other compounds for activity in treating Alzheimer's disease using neuronal cells produced using the subject invention. The subject invention also concerns neuronal cells that have been produced using the methods of the invention. The subject invention also concerns methods for evaluating therapeutic treatment for efficacy in a person or animal having Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases. The subject invention also concerns methods of treating Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases or conditions in a person or animal.

主权项

1. A neuronal cell produced by conversion of a non-neuronal cell to a neuronal cell by:
i) incorporating into said non-neuronal cell a polynucleotide of polypyrimidine-tract-binding (PTB) protein short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and a polynucleotide encoding a selectable marker; ii) selecting for a cell expressing said selectable marker; iii) culturing said selected cell in a neural induction medium comprising a ROCK inhibitor for a sufficient period of time to induce neuronal development, whereby said selected cell is converted into a neuronal cell.