differentiation-characterization-neural-progenitors-neurons-from

Differentiation and Characterization of Neural Progenitors and Neurons from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

We describe the step-by-step procedure for culturing and differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells into neuronal lineages, followed by a series of assays ...

Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute

Recent studies on Polycomb repressive complexes (PRC) reveal a surprising role in transcriptional activation, yet the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. We previously identified a type 1 PRC (PRC1) that contains Autism Susceptibility Candidate 2 (AUTS2), which positively regulates transcription of neuronal genes. However, the mechanism by which the PRC1-AUTS2 complex influences neurodevelopment is unclear. Here we demonstrate that WDR68 is not only an integral component of the PRC1-AUTS2 complex, but it is also required for PRC1-AUTS2-mediated transcription activation. Furthermore, deletion of Wdr68 in mouse embryonic stem cells leads to defects in neuronal differentiation without affecting self-renewal. Through transcriptomic analysis, we found that many genes responsible for neuronal differentiation are down-regulated in Wdr68 deficient neural progenitors. These genes include those targeted by the PRC1-AUTS2 complex. In summary, our studies uncovered a previously unknown but essential component of the active PRC1 complex and evidence of its role in regulating the expression of genes that are important for neuronal differentiation.

Zhuangzhuang Geng

Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
Penn State College of Medicine,
Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine

Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute

Differentiation and Characterization of Neural Progenitors and Neurons from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Zhuangzhuang Geng

.css-o250i3{font-size:18px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;line-height:21.6px;}Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,Penn State College of Medicine,Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine

Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute

Differentiation and Characterization of Neural Progenitors and Neurons from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
Penn State College of Medicine,
Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine