Generation of self-renewing neuromesodermal progenitors with neuronal and skeletal muscle bipotential from human embryonic stem cells

Cell Reports Methods, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100897 · Published: November 18, 2024

Simple Explanation

The study focuses on creating self-renewing neuromesodermal progenitors (srNMPs) from human embryonic stem cells. These srNMPs can develop into both mesodermal cells and spinal cord neurons. The research also demonstrates the potential of these srNMPs for treating trunk and spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

NSG mice

Evidence Level

In vitro and In vivo study

Key Findings

1
srNMPs can be generated and maintained under chemically defined conditions for long-term passage.
2
srNMPs can differentiate into both neurons and mesodermal cells at the single-cell level.
3
Transplanted srNMP-derived cells contributed to regeneration in mouse models of muscle and spinal cord injuries.

Research Summary

The study developed a method to induce human embryonic stem cells to produce self-renewing NMPs (srNMPs) under chemically defined conditions. These srNMPs can generate mesodermal cells and neurons, even at the single-cell level, and can spontaneously differentiate into all tissue types of early embryonic trunks. Transplanted srNMP-derived cells contributed to regeneration in mouse models, indicating promise for cell therapy for trunk and spinal cord injuries.

Practical Implications

Developmental Biology Research

srNMPs hold great promise for applications in developmental biology, providing a stable source for studying early development.

Cell Therapy

srNMPs can serve as renewable cell sources for cell therapy, particularly for trunk and spinal cord injuries, offering a potential treatment avenue.

Disease Modeling

srNMP-derived organoids could be used to model spinal developmental diseases, facilitating disease modeling and drug screening.

Study Limitations

1
Molecular mechanisms governing NMP self-renewal in vitro require further investigation.
2
Feasibility of using NMP spheres in spinal developmental disease models needs more study.
3
Cartilage differentiation and therapeutic efficacy of srNMPs for cartilage injury require further validation.

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