Generation of Regionally Specified Dopaminergic Neural Cells from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Abstract

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease involving the malfunctioning and death of dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Due to the depletion of the neurons producing dopamine, there is a lack of the neurotransmitters responsible for communicating the signals necessary for movement and coordination. We found that differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) to DA neuron progenitors followed by transplantation into the rat brain may enable differentiation into DA neurons. After 3-4 months, we will extract the brain, mount it on a sequence of slides, and observe their differentiation. We have yet to produce consistent results. However, we will continue to repeat experimentation and review mechanics of the protocol.