Name: differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into cortical interneuron precursors
Uploaded: 2017-12-03T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells into Cortical Interneuron Precursors at JoVE.com

We are grateful to Qing Xu for developing the Nkx2.1::mCherry:Lhx6:GFP dual reporter mESC line as well as Jennifer Tyson, Asif Maroof, and Tim Petros for their early work on helping to develop this protocol. We also thank the CHOP flow cytometry core for technical assistance. This work was supported by an NIH R01 MH066912 (SA) and F30 MH105045-02 (DT).

NOTE: The dual reporter mESC line described in this protocol is available upon request (sande@mail.med.upenn.edu).
1. Media Preparation
NOTE: Warm all media to 37 &#176;C before use in cell culture.
<ol>
	<li>Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast (MEF) media (for preparing 500 mL)
	<ol>
		<li>Add 50 mL fetal bovine serum (FBS) to 449 mL of Dulbecco&#39;s Modified Eagle&#39;s Medium (DMEM), and filter through a 500 mL 0.22 &#181;m pore filter unit.</li>
		<li...

<ol>
	<li>Jones, E. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+origins+of+cortical+interneurons:+mouse+versus+monkey+and+human.">The origins of cortical interneurons: mouse versus monkey and human.</a> Cereb Cortex. 19, 1953-1956 (2009).</li><li>Wonders, C. P., Anderson, S. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+origin+and+specification+of+cortical+interneurons.">The origin and specification of cortical interneurons.</a> Nature reviews. Neuroscience. 7 (6), 687-696 (2006).</li><li>Ascoli, G. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Petilla+terminology:+nomenclature+of+features+of+GABAergic+interneurons+of+the+cerebral+cortex.">Petilla terminology: nomenclature of features of GABAergic interneurons of the cerebral cortex.</a> Nature reviews. Neuroscience. 9, 557-568 (2008).</li><li>DeFelipe, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=New+insights+into+the+classification+and+nomenclature+of+cortical+GABAergic+interneurons.">New insights into the classification and nomenclature of cortical GABAergic interneurons.</a> Nature reviews. Neuroscience. 14, 202-216 (2013).</li><li>Xu, X., Roby, K. D., Callaway, E. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Immunochemical+characterization+of+inhibitory+mouse+cortical+neurons:+three+chemically+distinct+classes+of+inhibitory+cells.">Immunochemical characterization of inhibitory mouse cortical neurons: three chemically distinct classes of inhibitory cells.</a> J Comp Neurol. 518, 389-404 (2010).</li><li>Inan, M., Petros, T. J., Anderson, S. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Losing+your+inhibition:+Linking+cortical+GABAergic+interneurons+to+schizophrenia.">Losing your inhibition: Linking cortical GABAergic interneurons to schizophrenia.</a> Neurobiol Dis. 53, 36-48 (2013).</li><li>Benes, F. 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A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Duration+of+culture+and+sonic+hedgehog+signaling+differentially+specify+PV+versus+SST+cortical+interneuron+fates+from+embryonic+stem+cells.">Duration of culture and sonic hedgehog signaling differentially specify PV versus SST cortical interneuron fates from embryonic stem cells.</a> Development. 142, 1267-1278 (2015).</li><li>Maroof, A. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Directed+differentiation+and+functional+maturation+of+cortical+interneurons+from+human+embryonic+stem+cells.">Directed differentiation and functional maturation of cortical interneurons from human embryonic stem cells.</a> Cell Stem Cell. 12, 559-572 (2013).</li><li>Tischfield, D. J., Kim, J., Anderson, S. 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A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=NKX2.1+specifies+cortical+interneuron+fate+by+activating+Lhx6.">NKX2.1 specifies cortical interneuron fate by activating Lhx6.</a> Development. 135, 1559-1567 (2008).</li><li>Marin, O., Anderson, S. A., Rubenstein, J. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Origin+and+molecular+specification+of+striatal+interneurons.">Origin and molecular specification of striatal interneurons.</a> Journal of Neuroscience. 20, 6063-6076 (2000).</li><li>Xu, Q., Wonders, C. P., Anderson, S. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sonic+hedgehog+maintains+the+identity+of+cortical+interneuron+progenitors+in+the+ventral+telencephalon.">Sonic hedgehog maintains the identity of cortical interneuron progenitors in the ventral telencephalon.</a> Development. 132, 4987-4998 (2005).</li><li>Glickstein, S. B., Alexander, S., Ross, M. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Differences+in+cyclin+D2+and+D1+protein+expression+distinguish+forebrain+progenitor+subsets.">Differences in cyclin D2 and D1 protein expression distinguish forebrain progenitor subsets.</a> Cereb Cortex. 17, 632-642 (2007).</li><li>Petros, T. J., Bultje, R. S., Ross, M. E., Fishell, G., Anderson, S. 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A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Spatial+and+temporal+bias+in+the+mitotic+origins+of+somatostatin-+and+parvalbumin-expressing+interneuron+subgroups+and+the+chandelier+subtype+in+the+medial+ganglionic+eminence.">Spatial and temporal bias in the mitotic origins of somatostatin- and parvalbumin-expressing interneuron subgroups and the chandelier subtype in the medial ganglionic eminence.</a> Cereb Cortex. 22, 820-827 (2012).</li><li>Flames, N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Delineation+of+multiple+subpallial+progenitor+domains+by+the+combinatorial+expression+of+transcriptional+codes.">Delineation of multiple subpallial progenitor domains by the combinatorial expression of transcriptional codes.</a> The Journal of neuroscience: the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience. 27, 9682-9695 (2007).</li><li>Fogarty, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Spatial+genetic+patterning+of+the+embryonic+neuroepithelium+generates+GABAergic+interneuron+diversity+in+the+adult+cortex.">Spatial genetic patterning of the embryonic neuroepithelium generates GABAergic interneuron diversity in the adult cortex.</a> The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience. 27, 10935-10946 (2007).</li><li>Eiraku, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Self-organized+formation+of+polarized+cortical+tissues+from+ESCs+and+its+active+manipulation+by+extrinsic+signals.">Self-organized formation of polarized cortical tissues from ESCs and its active manipulation by extrinsic signals.</a> Cell Stem Cell. 3, 519-532 (2008).</li><li>Colasante, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Rapid+Conversion+of+Fibroblasts+into+Functional+Forebrain+GABAergic+Interneurons+by+Direct+Genetic+Reprogramming.">Rapid Conversion of Fibroblasts into Functional Forebrain GABAergic Interneurons by Direct Genetic Reprogramming.</a> Cell Stem Cell. 17, 719-734 (2015).</li><li>Xu, Q., Cobos, I., De La Cruz, E., Rubenstein, J. 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While this method is highly effective at patterning J1-derived mESCs (SCRC-1010), we have experienced variable success with other mESC lines and clonal isolates. For instance, Foxg1::venus mESCs (EB3-derived; Danjo et al.13) respond poorly to this protocol and Foxg1 induction by DD12 is typically on the order of 1-2%. For reasons that we do not fully understand, another Nkx2.1::mCherry:Lhx6::GFP dual reporter clone (termed JQ59) that was isolated simultaneously as the line described in th...

In both mice and humans, roughly half of all cortical inhibitory interneurons (CIns) originate within a transient subcortical structure known as the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE), where the neuroepithelial progenitors of CIns and other neuronal and glial subgroups express the transcription factor Nkx2.11,2. CIn subgroups or subtypes are defined by intersecting morphological, neurochemical, electrophysiological, and connectivity characteristics3,4. The MGE-derived CIns can be grouped into mostly non-overlapping subgroups based on their expression of either PV or SST, the expression of which correlates with particular electrophysiological and connectivity tendencies5. Dysfunction of interneurons, especially those in the PV subgroup, has been implicated in multiple neuropsychiatric disorders and diseases6,7. The overall goal of this method is to produce stem cell-derived mitotic progenitors and migratory precursors enriched for either PV or SST CIn fate for studying cortical interneuron biology and for use in cell-based therapies.
We have developed a scalable, highly efficient method for the derivation of Nkx2.1-expressing interneuron progenitors and their progeny from mESCs. Using a Nkx2.1::mCherry:Lhx6::GFP dual reporter mESC line8, Nkx2.1 progenitors or their Lhx6-expressing post-mitotic progeny can be isolated via FACS and subsequently used in a number of downstream applications. By manipulating a number of signaling pathways, duration of culture, and mode of neurogenesis, we can obtain millions of fluorescently labeled interneuron precursors suitable for a host of downstream applications.
Although several other methods exist for generating MGE-like progenitors from mESCs9,10,11,12,13,14, our method, which relies on the Wnt antagonist XAV-939, is particularly efficient at generating Foxg1/Nkx2.1 co-expressing telencephalic progenitors. In addition, the ability to select for interneuron progenitors or their post-mitotic Lhx6-expressing progeny via our dual reporter system, greatly enhances the capacity to generate distinct progenitors and their progeny.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Bottle-top vacuum filter system</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>CLS430769</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Test Tube with Cell Strainer Snap Cap</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td>Corning 352235</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (CF-1 MEF IRR 7M)</td>
			<td>MTI-Globalstem</td>
			<td>GSC-6101G</td>
			<td>1 vial of 7M MEFs is sufficient for four 10-cm TC plates. References: 29,35</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>FBS</td>
			<td>Atlanta Biologicals</td>
			<td>S11150H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Primocin</td>
			<td>Invivogen</td>
			<td>Ant-pm-2</td>
			<td>Also known as antimicrobial agent. Do not filter with base media -- add after filtration. References: 9,11,36,37</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>N2 supplement-B</td>
			<td>Stemcell Technologies</td>
			<td>7156</td>
			<td>Do not filter with base media -- add after filtration</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glutamax (100x)</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td>35050061</td>
			<td>Also known as L-alanine-L-glutamine. References: 9,11,38,39</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KnockOut Serum Replacement (KSR)</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td>10828028</td>
			<td>Also known as serum-free medium supplement. References: 9,11</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-glutamine (100x)</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td>25030081</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MEM-NEAA (100x)</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td>11140050</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-Mercaptoethanol</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td>21985023</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KnockOut DMEM</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td>10829018</td>
			<td>Also known as non-glutamine containing DMEM. References: 9,11</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hyclone FBS</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>82013-578</td>
			<td>Also known as stem cell grade FBS. References: 9,11</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tissue culture treated dish (10cm)</td>
			<td>BD Falcon</td>
			<td>353003</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Non-adherent sterile petri dish (10cm)</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>25384-342</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Leukemia inhibitory factor (mLIF)</td>
			<td>Chemicon</td>
			<td>ESG1107</td>
			<td>Do not freeze, store at 4&#39;C. References: 9,11</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DMEM/F12</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td>11330032</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>0.1% Gelatin Solution</td>
			<td>ATCC</td>
			<td>ATCC PCS-999-027</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Laminin</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>L2020</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Poly-L-lysine</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>P6282</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trypsin-EDTA (0.05%)</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td>25300054</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Accutase</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td>A1110501</td>
			<td>Also known as non-trypsin containing cell dissociation reagent. References: 9,11</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>RQ1 RNase-Free DNase</td>
			<td>Promega</td>
			<td>M610A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LDN-193189</td>
			<td>Stemgent</td>
			<td>04-0074</td>
			<td>Resuspend in DMSO and store at -80&#39;C in single use aliquots</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>XAV939</td>
			<td>Stemgent</td>
			<td>04-0046</td>
			<td>Resuspend in DMSO and store at -80&#39;C in single use aliquots</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>rhFGF-2</td>
			<td>R&#38;D Systems</td>
			<td>233-FB</td>
			<td>Resuspend in PBS with 0.1% BSA and store at -80&#39;C in single use aliquots</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>rhIGF-2</td>
			<td>R&#38;D Systems</td>
			<td>291-G1</td>
			<td>Resuspend in PBS with 0.1% BSA and store at -80&#39;C in single use aliquots</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ROCK inhibitor (Y-27632)</td>
			<td>Tocris</td>
			<td>1254</td>
			<td>Resuspend in DMSO and store at -80&#39;C in single use aliquots</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Smoothened agonist (SAG)</td>
			<td>Millipore</td>
			<td>566660-1MG</td>
			<td>Resuspend in H20 and store at -80&#39;C in single use aliquots</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>rm Sonic Hedgehog/SHH</td>
			<td>R&#38;D Systems</td>
			<td>464-SH-025</td>
			<td>Resuspend in PBS with 0.1% BSA and store at -80&#39;C in single use aliquots</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PKC&#950; Pseudosubstrate Inhibitor, Myristoylated</td>
			<td>EMD Millipore</td>
			<td>539624</td>
			<td>Resuspend in H20 and store at -80&#39;C in single use aliquots</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into cortical interneuron precursors

GABAergic cortical interneurons are a heterogeneous population of cells that play critical roles in regulating the output of excitatory pyramidal neurons as well as synchronizing the outputs of pyramidal neuron ensembles. Deficits in interneuron function have been implicated in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and epilepsy. The derivation of cortical interneurons from embryonic stem cells not only allows for the study of their development and function, but provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cortical interneuron-related disorders. Interneurons also have the remarkable capacity to survive, migrate, and integrate into host cortical circuitry post-transplantation, making them ideal candidates for use in cell-based therapies. Here, we present a scalable, highly efficient, modified embryoid body-to-monolayer method for the derivation of Nkx2.1-expressing interneuron progenitors and their progeny from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Using a Nkx2.1::mCherry:Lhx6::GFP dual reporter mESC line, Nkx2.1 progenitors or their Lhx6-expressing post-mitotic progeny can be isolated via fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and subsequently used in a number of downstream applications. We also provide methods to enrich for parvalbumin (PV) or somatostatin (SST) interneuron subgroups, which may be helpful for studying aspects of fate determination or for use in therapeutic applications that would benefit from interneuron subgroup-enriched transplantations.

The protocol described in this paper is a modified version of our published protocols15,16,17 and has been optimized for use with our Nkx2.1::mCherry:Lhx6::GFP dual-reporter mESC line. By adding the Wnt inhibitor XAV-939 from DD0-5, combined with re-plating at DD8, we achieve robust Nkx2.1 induction, wherein upwards of 50% of all DAPI+ nuclei in culture are also Nkx2.1 expressing (<strong class="...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells into Cortical Interneuron Precursors at JoVE.com

Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells into Cortical Interneuron Precursors

This protocol describes a method for generating cortical interneuron progenitors and post-mitotic interneuron precursors from mouse embryonic stem cells using a modified embryoid body-to-monolayer method. These progenitors/precursors can be used in vitro or fluorescently sorted and transplanted into neonatal neocortex for studying fate determination, or used in therapeutic applications.

GABAergic cortical interneurons are a heterogeneous population of cells that play critical roles in regulating the output of excitatory pyramidal neurons ...

The overall goal of this procedure is to generate cortical interneuron progenitors in post-mitotic interneuron precursors for mouse embryonic stem cells using a modified embryoid body to monolayer method. This method can help answer key questions in the neuroscience field, such as how sub-types of cortical interneurons achieve their individual fates during development. The main advantage of this technique is that it enables efficient generation of Nkx2.1 expressing interneuron progenitors, as well as methods to enrich for parvalbumin or somatostatin interneuron subgroups.To begin this procedure, plate mitotically inactive MEF feeder cells in MEF media onto tissue culture treated plates. Allow at least 12 hours for them to settle in a cell culture incubator at 37 degrees Celsius before plating the mESCs. If not used immediately, replace the MEF media every three days.Next, add mESCs containing mouse leukemia inhibitory factor to the MEF plates. Incubate the cells at 37 degrees Celsius in 5%carbon dioxide. Passage mESCs using trypsin-EDTA once the dish becomes 70 to 80%confluent, and maintain the mESCs on a MEF feeder layer in mESC media to keep pluripotency.Before starting differentiation, passage the cells at least once onto gelatin-coated plates without MEFs to dilute them out. To do so, prepare gelatin-coated plates by adding 0.1%gelatin and PBS with calcium and magnesium to a tissue culture treated dish and incubate at 37 degrees Celsius for at least 1 hour. Plate 1.5 to two times 10 to the sixth cells on each ten centimeter plate and allow them to expand for two days before beginning differentiation.On DD0, after the mESCs have grown on the gelatin coated plates for two days, aspirate the media and wash the cells once with PBS without calcium and magnesium. Then, add enough trypsin-EDTA to cover the surface of the plates. And place the cells back into the incubator at 37 degrees Celsius for four minutes.After four minutes, quench trypsin-EDTA using two times its volume of mESC media. Transfer the cells to an appropriately sized centrifuge tube, and centrifuge the cells at 200 times g for five minutes. Next, remove the tube and aspirate the media without disturbing the pellet.Resuspend the pellet in one millileter of KSR-N2 media. Subsequently, measure the cell concentration using a hemocytometer, or an automated cell counter. Start growing the cells as embryoid bodies by adding 75, 000 cells per millileter in KSR-N2 media in the non-adherent tissue culture dishes.And incubate them at 37 degrees Celsius. On DD1, prepare for cell landing by coating the tissue culture treated dishes with poly-L-lysine for at least one hour or overnight at 37 degrees Celsius. On DD2, aspirate the poly-L-lysine and coat the plates with laminin overnight at 37 degrees Celsius.On DD3, before beginning EB dissociation, aspirate laminin and allow the plates to completely dry in a tissue culture hood. Afterward, transfer the EB's with the media into a 15 milliliter tube, and centrifuge for three to four minutes at 15 times g or until the EB's have pelleted. Aspirate the media, and add three milliliters of cell detachment solution containing DNase.Then, incubate the sample at 37 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. Gently flick the tube every three minutes to aid in EB dissociation. Once the EB's are no longer visible, or 15 minutes have elapsed, add six milliliters of KSR-N2 containing DNase, and centrifuge for five minutes at 200 times g.Then, plate the cells in KSR-N2 containing LDN193189, XAV939, and the ROCK inhibitor, Y27632, at 4.5 to five times ten to the fourth cells per centimeter squared. On DD5, change media with KSR-N2 containing FGF2, IGF1, and SSH. Next, prepare tissue culture plates for replating on day 8, using the instructions outlined in the procedures on DD1 and DD2.On DD7, change the media with KSR-N2 containing FGF2, IGF1 and SHH. On DD8, replate the cells by detaching them from the plates with trypsin-EDTA for five minutes at 37 degrees Celsius. Quench trypsin-EDTA using two times its volume with KSR-N2.And centrifuge at 200 times g for five minutes. Filter the cells through a 40 micron filter tube to remove any clumps. Then, replate the cells at 250, 000 cells per centimeter squared in N2-KSR containing FGF2, IGF1 and Y27632 with SHH.On DD10, change the media with KSR-N2 containing SHH. Wash the cells once with PBS without calcium and magnesium, and add pre-warmed, non-trypsin containing cell dissociation reagent, containing DNase to the cells. Place them in the incubator at 37 degrees Celsius for 10 to 30 minutes, or until the cells have detached.Then, gently tap the plates every five minutes to aid the dissociation. On DD5, change the media with KSR-N2 containing FGF2 and IGF1. Next, prepare tissue culture plates for replating on DD8.On DD7, change the media with KSR-N2 containing FGF2 and IGF1. On DD8, replate the cells with smoothened agonist and add atypical PKC inhibitor. On DD10, change the media with KSR-N2 containing aPKCi.On DD11, detach the cells from the plates for FACS. If the cells were not detached for FACS on DD11, change media on DD12 with KSR-N2 containing aPKCi. On DD14, change the media with KSR-N2 containing aPKCi.And on DD16, change the media with KSR-N2 containing aPKCi. Then, on DD17, collect the Nkx-2.1:mCherry positive cells. Shown here are the representative images of immunostaining for Nkx2.1, Nkx2.1:mCherry, and Lhx6:GFP from a differentiation day 12 culture.Note that these images are overlapping channels from the same field of view. This graph shows the quantification of the average percentage of DAPI positive nuclei that express Nkx2.1 at DD12 in culture. And this is a representative FACS plot, demonstrating the four different cell populations that can be isolated using our dual reporter mESC line.Note that mCherry is on the x-axis, and GFP is on the y-axis. Thus, the top right box represents cells that are mCherry-GFP double positive. Here is the timecourse of Nkx2.1:mCherry and Lhx6:GFP induction from DD6 to 16, expressed as the percentage of cells in culture that are either mCherry only expressing, GFP only expressing or mCherry-GFP co-expressing.Once mastered, this protocol can be completed within 17 days from start to finish, if performed properly. While attempting this procedure, it's important to remember to always start with pleuripotent, undifferentiated, healthy appearing stem cells. Following this procedure, other methods, like transplantation into neonatal or adult mouse neocortex can be performed in order answer additional questions regarding interneuron fate determination or the effect of interneuron transplantation on circuit function and animal behavior.After its development, this technique paved the way for researchers in the field of developmental neuroscience to explore factors driving interneuron fate determination in mice, and by extension, patients affected by interneuron related disorders. After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to derive Nkx2.1 expressing progenitors, and their post-mitotic progeny from mouse embryonic stem cells. Thanks for watching, and good luck with your experiments.

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

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