Generation of kisspeptin-responsive GnRH neurons from human pluripotent stem cells

Publication date: Available online 21 February 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Ariel Poliandri, Duncan Miller, Sasha Howard, Muriel Nobles, Gerard Ruiz-Babot, Stephen Harmer, Andrew Tinker, Tristan McKay, Leonardo Guasti, Leo Dunkel
GnRH neurons are fundamental for reproduction in all vertebrates, integrating all reproductive inputs. The inaccessibility of human GnRH-neurons has been a major impediment to studying the central control of reproduction and its disorders. Here, we report the efficient generation of kisspeptin responsive GnRH-secreting neurons by directed differentiation of human Embryonic Stem Cells and induced-Pluripotent Stem Cells derived from a Kallman Syndrome patient and a healthy family member. The protocol involves the generation of intermediate Neural Progenitor Cells (NPCs) through long-term Bone morphogenetic protein 4 inhibition, followed by terminal specification of these NPCs in media containing Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 and a NOTCH inhibitor. The resulting GnRH-expressing and -secreting neurons display a neuroendocrine gene expression pattern and present spontaneous calcium transients that can be stimulated by kisspeptin. These in vitro generated GnRH expressing cells provide a new resource for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and function of GnRH neurons.

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