Forward Programming of Pluripotent Stem Cells to Neurons

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are powerful tools for studying developmental biology and neuronal diseases. Conventional differentiation protocols require several intermediate states and different culture conditions, inefficiently generating mixed subtypes of neuronal cells with immature characteristics. Direct programming of PSCs by forced expression of neuronal transcription factors has shown rapid cell fate determination with high purity as it can bypass sequential developmental steps that traditional culture requires. In this review, we focus on neuronal differentiation from PSCs to specific subtypes by various transcription factors. Furthermore, the potential applications and limitations of this novel technology are discussed.