Differentiation of Chula5.hES to neural progenitors by Noggin

Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC) have not only the abilities to differentiate to specific neural subtype such as neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, but also providing the model system for studying neurulation in early embryonic development. In theory, neural progenitor derived from hESC may provide a new approach for the repair of spinal cord injury since the idea of replacing cells to compensate for degeneration and restore functions. In this study, we differentiated Chula5.hES into neural progenitors by blocking bone morphogenetic protein signaling through aggregation of small free floating clusters. Chula5.hES-derived neural progenitors show typical neural rosettes progenitor at approximately 2 weeks of the differentiation and expressed the neural progenitors markers nestin by flow cytometry. Furthermore, these cells also expressed nestin and pax6 by immunocytochemistry. Thus, the understanding of maintenance and controlling neural differentiation of Chula5.hES may benefit for clinical applications.