Optimization of Transcription Factor-Driven Neuronal Differentiation from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Disease Modelling and Drug Screening

Abstract

Progress of human brain in vitro models stands as a keystone in neurological and psychiatric research, addressing the limitations posed by species-specific differences in animal models. The generation of human neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using transcription factor reprogramming protocols has been shown to reduce heterogeneity and improve consistency across different stem cell lines. Despite notable advancements, the current protocols still exhibit several shortcomings. This study focuses on standardizing and optimizing the procedure for iPSC-derived glutamatergic neurons generation through the inducible overexpression of Neurogenin-2. Noteworthy refinements include stringent scrutiny of genomic rearrangements post-fibroblast reprogramming, selection of a homogeneously integrated NGN2-cassettes population, and the incorporation of an intermediate step during neuronal differentiation to store neuronal progenitors. The neural culture showed a high degree of neuronal maturation and consistency, as shown by single-cell and network electrophysiological recordings. These advancements aim to provide more reliable tools for disease modelling and drug screening in neurological disorders. Graphical Abstract

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