Making neurons, made easy: The use of Neurogenin-2 in neuronal differentiation

Stem Cell Reports. 2022 Jan 11;17(1):14-34. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.11.015. Epub 2021 Dec 30.

Abstract

Directed neuronal differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), neural progenitors, or fibroblasts using transcription factors has allowed for the rapid and highly reproducible differentiation of mature and functional neurons. Exogenous expression of the transcription factor Neurogenin-2 (NGN2) has been widely used to generate different populations of neurons, which have been used in neurodevelopment studies, disease modeling, drug screening, and neuronal replacement therapies. Could NGN2 be a "one-glove-fits-all" approach for neuronal differentiations? This review summarizes the cellular roles of NGN2 and describes the applications and limitations of using NGN2 for the rapid and directed differentiation of neurons.

Keywords: NGN2; Neurogenin-2; induced neurons; neural differentiation; neural progenitors; pluripotent stem cells; transcription factor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Biomarkers
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Differentiation* / genetics
  • Cell Lineage / genetics
  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays
  • Humans
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Neural Stem Cells / cytology
  • Neural Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Neurogenesis / genetics
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • Biomarkers
  • NEUROG2 protein, human
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins