Induced neuronal differentiation of human embryonic stem cells

Human embryonic stein (ES) cells are pluripotent cells capable of forming d ifferentiated embryoid bodies (EBs) in culture. We examined the ability of growth factors under controlled conditions to increase the number of human ES cell-derived neurons. Retinoic acid (RA) and nerve growth factor (beta N GF) were found to be potent enhancers of neuronal differentiation, elicitin g extensive outgrowth of processes and the expression of neuron-specific mo lecules. Our findings show that human ES cells have great potential to beco me an unlimited cell source for neurons in culture. These cells may then be used in transplantation therapies for neural pathologies. (C) 2001 Elsevie r Science B.V. All rights reserved.