Schwann cells (SCs) generate the myelin wrapping of peripheral nerve axons and are promising candidates for cell therapy. However, to date a renewable source of SCs is lacking. In this study, we show the conversion of skin fibroblasts into induced Schwann cells (iSCs) by driving the expression of two transcription factors, Sox10 and Egr2. iSCs resembled primary SCs in global gene expression profiling and PNS identity. In vitro, iSCs wrapped axons generating compact myelin sheaths with regular nodal structures. Conversely, iSCs from Twitcher mice showed a severe loss in their myelinogenic potential, demonstrating that iSCs can be an attractive system for in vitro modelling of PNS diseases. The same two factors were sufficient to convert human fibroblasts into iSCs as defined by distinctive molecular and functional traits. Generating iSCs through direct conversion of somatic cells offers opportunities for in vitro disease modelling and regenerative therapies.

Two factor-based reprogramming of rodent and human fibroblasts into Schwann cells

RONCHI, Giulia;GEUNA, Stefano;
2017-01-01

Abstract

Schwann cells (SCs) generate the myelin wrapping of peripheral nerve axons and are promising candidates for cell therapy. However, to date a renewable source of SCs is lacking. In this study, we show the conversion of skin fibroblasts into induced Schwann cells (iSCs) by driving the expression of two transcription factors, Sox10 and Egr2. iSCs resembled primary SCs in global gene expression profiling and PNS identity. In vitro, iSCs wrapped axons generating compact myelin sheaths with regular nodal structures. Conversely, iSCs from Twitcher mice showed a severe loss in their myelinogenic potential, demonstrating that iSCs can be an attractive system for in vitro modelling of PNS diseases. The same two factors were sufficient to convert human fibroblasts into iSCs as defined by distinctive molecular and functional traits. Generating iSCs through direct conversion of somatic cells offers opportunities for in vitro disease modelling and regenerative therapies.
2017
Inglese
Esperti anonimi
8
1
13
13
http://www.nature.com/ncomms/index.html
Chemistry (all); Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (all); Physics and Astronomy (all)
no
1 – prodotto con file in versione Open Access (allegherò il file al passo 6 - Carica)
262
16
Mazzara, Pietro Giuseppe; Massimino, Luca; Pellegatta, Marta; Ronchi, Giulia; Ricca, Alessandra; Iannielli, Angelo; Giannelli, Serena Gea; Cursi, Marc...espandi
info:eu-repo/semantics/article
open
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2318/1647207
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