Differentiating Engineered Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into Functional Motor Neurons

Source: Garone, M. G., et al. Conversion of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) into Functional Spinal and Cranial Motor Neurons Using PiggyBac Vectors. J. Vis. Exp. (2019). This video showcases the process of differentiating human iPSCs into motor neurons. The rationale involves utilizing iPSCs that have been genetically modified to express specific transcription factors. When cultured in a media containing doxycycline, this antibiotic triggers the expression of transcription factors, thereby promoting iPSC differentiation into motor neuron progenitors. Ultimately, the progenitors are cultured in a neuronal medium to yield mature and functional motor neurons.