Neural Conversion and Patterning of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Developmental Perspective

Figure 5

Methods for directed differentiation: hPSCs can be directed to undergo neural conversion by applying developmental principles of inhibiting BMP4 and/or Nodal. From neuroectoderm, differentiation of different neuraxial regions can be achieved by recapitulating developmental morphogenetic instruction: forebrain (default), midbrain (WNT, FGF8 activation), hindbrain (WNT, FGF8, and others, RA), and spinal cord (WNT, FGF8, and others, RA). These gradients are shown on the right of the figure for the rostrocaudal axis. Another important morphogenetic cue used in directed differentiation is SHH for its ventralising effect within the D-V axis. All timelines are given for mouse and human embryonic development.