Channelpedia

PubMed 8562428


Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv10.1



Title: Differentiation of pluripotent embryonic stem cells into the neuronal lineage in vitro gives rise to mature inhibitory and excitatory neurons.

Authors: C Strübing, G Ahnert-Hilger, J Shan, B Wiedenmann, J Hescheler, A M Wobus

Journal, date & volume: Mech. Dev., 1995 Oct , 53, 275-87

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8562428


Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells represent a suitable model to analyze cell differentiation processes in vitro. Here, we report that pluripotent ES cells of the line BLC 6 differentiate in vitro into neuronal cells possessing the complex electrophysiological and immunocytochemical properties of postmitotic nerve cells. In the course of differentiation BLC 6-derived neurons differentially express voltage-dependent (K+, Na+, Ca2+) and receptor-operated (GABAA, glycine, AMPA, NMDA receptors) ionic channels. They generate fast Na(+)-driven action potentials and are functionally coupled by inhibitory (GABAergic) and excitatory (glutamatergic) synapses as revealed by measurements of postsynaptic currents. Moreover, BLC 6-derived neurons express neuron-specific cytoskeletal, cell adhesion and synaptic vesicle proteins and exhibit a Ca(2+)-dependent GABA secretion. Thus, the ES cell model enables the investigation of cell lineage determination and signaling mechanisms in the developing nervous system from a pluripotential stem cell to a differentiated postmitotic neuron. The in vitro differentiation of neurons from ES cells may be an excellent approach to study by targeted gene disruption a variety of neuronal functions.