Objective: To investigate the ability of human GFAP positive neural progenitor cell line from the subventricular zone (SVZ) to differentiate into neurons.
Methods: Real-time RT-PCR, Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry were used to examine the expression level of the neural stem cell marker and neuronal-specific marker before and after all-trans-retinoic acid (AT-RA) induction in the GFAP positive neural progenitor cell line. Immunocytochemistry was used to examine the expression of the neuronal-specific marker after transplantation the GFAP positive neural progenitor cell line into the animal model.
Results: After induction, in the GFAP positive neural progenitor cell line the expression levels of the neuronal-specific marker increased, while the neural stem cell marker decreased both in mRNA and protein levels. After transplantation into animal model, the GFAP positive neural progenitor cell line could differentiate into neurons.
Conclusion: The GFAP positive neural progenitor cell line could be induced to differentiate into neurons both in vitro and in vivo.