Direct Reprogramming of Fibroblasts to Astrocytes Using Small Molecules

Methods Mol Biol. 2021:2352:45-55. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1601-7_4.

Abstract

Astrocytes play important roles in neurodevelopment and diseases. Previous studies described ways to derive astrocytes from somatic cells by going through iPSC or iNSC/iNPC intermediates. Here we describe a method to directly convert mouse fibroblasts into functional astrocytes using small molecules without transgenes or viral transduction. The direct chemical reprogramming method described in this study provides a more rapid way to derive astrocytes from fibroblasts.

Keywords: Chemical reprogramming; Direct conversion; Induced astrocytes; Small molecules; iPSC-derived astrocytes; iPSCs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Astrocytes / cytology*
  • Astrocytes / drug effects*
  • Astrocytes / metabolism
  • Biomarkers
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects*
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Separation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cellular Reprogramming / drug effects*
  • Cellular Reprogramming / genetics
  • Cellular Reprogramming Techniques*
  • Fibroblasts / cytology*
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects*
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transgenes

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Transcription Factors