Scientific article
English

Neural commitment of embryonic stem cells: molecules, pathways and potential for cell therapy

Published inJournal of pathology, vol. 215, no. 4, p. 355-368
Publication date2008
Abstract

The study of neuronal differentiation of embryonic stem cells has raised major interest over recent years. It allows a better understanding of fundamental aspects of neurogenesis and, at the same time, the generation of neurons as tools for various applications ranging from drug testing to cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Since the first report of human embryonic stem (ES) cells derivation, many studies have shown the possibility of directing their differentiation towards neurons. However, there are still many challenges ahead, including gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms involved and developing techniques to allow the generation of homogeneous neuronal and glial subtypes. We review the current state of knowledge of embryonic neurogenesis which has been acquired from animal models and discuss its translation into in vitro strategies of neuronal differentiation of ES cells. We also highlight several aspects of current protocols which need to be optimized to generate high-quality embryonic stem cell-derived neuronal precursors suitable for clinical applications. Finally, we discuss the potential of embryonic stem cell-derived neurons for cell replacement therapy in several central nervous system diseases.

Keywords
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Central Nervous System Diseases/therapy
  • Embryo, Mammalian/cytology
  • Embryonic Stem Cells/cytology
  • Humans
  • Nerve Regeneration
  • Neurons/cytology
  • Stem Cell Transplantation
Citation (ISO format)
SUTER, David Michael, KRAUSE, Karl-Heinz. Neural commitment of embryonic stem cells: molecules, pathways and potential for cell therapy. In: Journal of pathology, 2008, vol. 215, n° 4, p. 355–368. doi: 10.1002/path.2380
Main files (1)
Article (Accepted version)
accessLevelRestricted
Identifiers
ISSN of the journal0022-3417
586views
6downloads

Technical informations

Creation03/12/2009 4:49:00 PM
First validation03/12/2009 4:49:00 PM
Update time03/14/2023 3:03:20 PM
Status update03/14/2023 3:03:20 PM
Last indexation10/29/2024 11:20:42 AM
All rights reserved by Archive ouverte UNIGE and the University of GenevaunigeBlack