Method of differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into high purity dopaminergic neurons in vitro

MENG Jie-yi FANG Xuan LI Man ZHANG Wei-guang CHEN Chun-hua

Acta Anatomica Sinica ›› 2025, Vol. 56 ›› Issue (3) : 351-356.

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Acta Anatomica Sinica ›› 2025, Vol. 56 ›› Issue (3) : 351-356. DOI: 10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2025.03.014
Technology and Methodology

Method of differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into high purity dopaminergic neurons in vitro

  • MENG  Jie-yi  FANG  Xuan  LI Man  ZHANG  Wei-guang  CHEN  Chun-hua*
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Abstract

Objective  To explore an experimental protocol for differentiating humaninduced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into highly pure midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons.    Methods  By optimizing a blend of small molecules and recombinant human growth factors, iPSCs were induced to differentiate into ventral midbrain floor plate DA progenitor cells and subsequently into mature substantia nigra pars compacta DA neurons. Throughout the differentiation process, Real-time PCR and immunofluorescent staining were utilized as a method  for quality assessment. Results  iPSCs firstly differentiate into dopaminergic precursor cells, and then gradually differentiate into DA neurons expressing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH).     Conclusion  The protocol successfully yields approximately high purity tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH+) DA neurons. This differentiation technique offers an effective cellular model for studying the physiological mechanisms and pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease, providing valuable insights for future research and potential therapeutic strategies. 

Key words

Dopaminergic neuron
/ Substantia nigra pars compacta / Induced pluripotent stem cell /   / In vitro differentiation with high purity / Real-time PCR / Immunofluorescence / Human

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MENG Jie-yi FANG Xuan LI Man ZHANG Wei-guang CHEN Chun-hua. Method of differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into high purity dopaminergic neurons in vitro[J]. Acta Anatomica Sinica. 2025, 56(3): 351-356 https://doi.org/10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2025.03.014

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