Derivation of functional spinal cord neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells ((IPSCS) via neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPS)

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are generated by reprogramming of cells somatic cells in laboratory conditions. Although iPSCs are promising sources of cellular therapy, there are some ethical and physiological problems in using iPSCs in therapy. Therefore, the identification of safe progenitor cells derived from pluripotent stem cells is critical to control the differentiation capacity of pluripotent cells. Neuromesodermal progenitor (NMP) cells are found in primitive streak region as a bipotent cell population, which can give rise to the paraxial mesoderm and spinal cord during development. Motor neuron diseases (MND) are fatal and progressive diseases that result in the destruction of motor neurons. In motor neuron diseases, motor neurons lose their ability to control muscle cells causing walking, breathing, and speaking problems. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal cord injury are the most common motor neuron diseases that have not effective treatments. The pharmacological treatments only provide to extend life span and get strengthen life conditions. In this thesis, NMPs were derived from iPSCs, differentiated into spinal cord neurons and characterized. Functional neurons were characterized in vitro by identification of cellular and molecular mechanisms.