Rapid and Simplified Induction of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells (NSCs/NPCs) and Neurons from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSCs)

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their progeny displaying tissue-specific characteristics have paved the way for regenerative medicine and research in various fields such as the elucidation of the pathological mechanism of diseases and the discovery of drug candidates. iPSCderived neurons are particularly valuable as it is difficult to analyze neural cells obtained from the central nervous system in humans. For neuronal induction with iPSCs, one of the commonly used approaches is the isolation and expansion of neural rosettes, following the formation of embryonic bodies (EBs). However, this process is laborious, inefficient, and requires further purification of the cells. To overcome these limitations, we have developed an efficient neural induction method that allows for the generation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs/NPCs) from iPSCs within 7 days and of functional mature neurons. Our method yields a PAX6-positive homogeneous cell population, a cortical NSCs/NPCs, and the resultant NSCs/NPCs can be cryopreserved, expanded, and differentiated into functional mature neurons. Moreover, our protocol will be less expensive than other methods since the protocol requires fewer neural supplements during neural induction. This article also presents the FM1-43 imaging assay, which is useful for the presynaptic assessment of the iPSCs-derived human neurons. This protocol provides a quick and simplified way to generate NSCs/NPCs and neurons, enabling researchers to establish in vitro cellular models to study brain disease pathology.