SOX9-induced generation of functional astrocytes supporting neuronal maturation in an all-human system

Neyrinck K, Van Den Daele J, Vervliet T, De Smedt J, Wierda K, Nijs M, Vanbokhoven T, D’hondt A, Planque M, Fendt S-M, Shih P-Y, Seibt F, Almenar JP, Kreir M, Kumar D, Broccoli V, Bultynck G, Ebneth A, Cabrera-Socorro A and Verfaillie C. 

Stem Cell Review and Reports, 2021

Summary:

The authors demonstrate a method for deriving astrocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells using SOX9 overexpression for 6 days. These astrocytes demonstrate functionality observed in mature astrocytes like glutamate uptake, growth factor excretion, and support neuronal growth and function. Cocultures of iPSC-derived astrocytes and neurons are compared to primary cultures on the Maestro MEA.