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Pruszak:Research: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:PSCdiff.PNG|370px|thumb|left|'''Neural differentiation of hPSCs:'''<br> Exemplifying the feasibility of using hPSCs for developmental studies, we hypothesized that factors known to neuralize tissue in embryological development could be exploited to guide PSCs toward neural fate. Indeed, we were able to induce neural differentiation by the application of the BMP antagonist Noggin, and thereby greatly enhance neuralization (here: typical neuroepithelial rosettes) as well as differentiation toward functional neurons in a dose and time-dependent manner. This illustrated that, in principle, basic aspects of neural development do apply to hPSC ''in vitro'' systems. | [[Image:PSCdiff.PNG|370px|thumb|left|'''Neural differentiation of hPSCs:'''<br> Exemplifying the feasibility of using hPSCs for developmental studies, we hypothesized that factors known to neuralize tissue in embryological development could be exploited to guide PSCs toward neural fate. Indeed, we were able to induce neural differentiation by the application of the BMP antagonist Noggin, and thereby greatly enhance neuralization (here: typical neuroepithelial rosettes) as well as differentiation toward functional neurons in a dose and time-dependent manner. This illustrated that, in principle, basic aspects of neural development do apply to hPSC ''in vitro'' systems. | ||
<br> mod. from: Pruszak & Isacson, Adv Exp Med Biol 2009]] | <br> mod. from: Pruszak & Isacson, Adv Exp Med Biol 2009]] | ||
<br>Ongoing projects in the lab aim at elucidating the role of specific | <br>Ongoing projects in the lab aim at elucidating the role of specific integrin heterodimers in the critical transition from neural stem cell to neuroblast. In this context we aim to understand the role of context-dependent signaling pathways that control proliferation versus differentiation in the neural stem cell niche. For example, Hippo pathway components, involved in organ size regulation and cancer, have recently become a focus of study in a range of stem cell systems, but little is known about its function in mammalian neural development and its interplay with other signaling pathways. Enhanced understanding of how neural cell numbers are controlled during brain development may enable us to better control and therapeutically exploit human neural stem cell systems in the future. | ||
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