Project description:One-step reprogramming of human fibroblasts into oligodendrocyte-like cells. We characterized the expression, chromatin accessibility and methylation profile of human oligodendrocyte-like cells derived using a new protocol for the direct transdifferentiation of human fibroblasts into oligodendrocyte-like cells. Direct conversion of fibroblasts was induced by ectopic overexpression of SOX10, OLIG2 and NKX6.2. The aim of the experiments was to characterise the transcriptional response and associated chromatin changes following transdifferentiation. In addition, profiles of primary human oligodendrocytes were produced.
Project description:Cell-based therapies for myelin disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and leukodystrophies, require technologies to generate functional oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Here we describe direct conversion of mouse embryonic and lung fibroblasts to ‘induced’ oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (iOPCs) using sets of either eight or three defined transcription factors. iOPCs exhibit a bipolar morphologyical and global gene expression profile molecular features consistent with bona fide OPCs. They can be expanded in vitro for at least five passages while retaining the ability to differentiate into induced multiprocessed oligodendrocytes. When transplanted to hypomyelinated mice, iOPCs are capable of ensheathing host axons and generating compact myelinmyelinating axons both in vitro and in vivo. Lineage conversion of somatic cells to expandable iOPCs provides a strategy to study the molecular control of oligodendrocyte lineage identity and may facilitate neurological disease modeling and autologous remyelinating therapies. 6 total samples were analyzed. MEFs were either untreated or infected with inducible lentiviral vectors containing the open reading frames of transcription factors. Samples were compared to bona fide OPCs.
Project description:Cell-based therapies for myelin disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and leukodystrophies, require technologies to generate functional oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Here we describe direct conversion of mouse embryonic and lung fibroblasts to ‘induced’ oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (iOPCs) using sets of either eight or three defined transcription factors. iOPCs exhibit a bipolar morphologyical and global gene expression profile molecular features consistent with bona fide OPCs. They can be expanded in vitro for at least five passages while retaining the ability to differentiate into induced multiprocessed oligodendrocytes. When transplanted to hypomyelinated mice, iOPCs are capable of ensheathing host axons and generating compact myelinmyelinating axons both in vitro and in vivo. Lineage conversion of somatic cells to expandable iOPCs provides a strategy to study the molecular control of oligodendrocyte lineage identity and may facilitate neurological disease modeling and autologous remyelinating therapies.