Generation of functional neurons and glia from multipotent adult mouse germ-line stem cells

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Katrin Streckfuss-Bömeke - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Alla Vlasov - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Swen Hülsmann - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Dongjiao Yin - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Karim Nayernia - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Wolfgang Engel - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Gerd Hasenfuss - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Kaomei Guan - , Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen (Author)

Abstract

Recently, we reported the successful establishment of multipotent adult germ-line stem cells (maGSCs) from cultured adult mouse spermatogonial stem cells. Similar to embryonic stem cells, maGSCs are able to self-renew and differentiate into derivatives of all three germ layers. These properties make maGSCs a potential cell source for the treatment of neural degenerative diseases. In this study, we describe the generation of maGSC-derived proliferating neural precursor cells using growth factor-mediated neural lineage induction. The neural precursors were positive for nestin and Sox1 and could be continuously expanded. Upon further differentiation, they formed functional neurons and glial cells, as demonstrated by expression of lineage-restricted genes and proteins and by electrophysiological properties. Characterization of maGSC-derived neurons revealed the generation of specific subtypes, including GABAergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic neurons. Electrophysiological analysis revealed passive and active membrane properties and postsynaptic currents, indicating their functional maturation. Functional networks formed at later stages of differentiation, as evidenced by synaptic transmission of spontaneous neuronal activity. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that maGSCs may be used as a new stem cell source for basic research and biomedical applications.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)139-154
Number of pages16
JournalStem cell research
Volume2
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2009
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 19383419

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas