Stem cell engineering approaches for investigating glial cues in central nervous system disorders

• Published in: Current opinion in biotechnology 2024-06, Vol.87, p.103131, Article 103131
• Main Authors: Vardhan, Sangamithra, Jordan, Tyler, Sakiyama-Elbert, Shelly
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0958-1669; 1879-0429; 1879-0429
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103131

Glial cells are important in maintaining homeostasis for neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). During CNS disease or after injury, glia react to altered microenvironments and often acquire altered functions that contribute to disease pathology. A major focus for research is utilizing stem cell (SC)-derived glia as a potential renewable source for cell replacement to restore function, including neuronal support, and as a model for disease states to identify therapeutic targets. In this review, we focus on SC differentiation protocols for deriving three types of glial cells, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. These SC-derived glia can be used to identify critical cues that contribute to CNS disease progression and aid in investigation of therapeutic targets. [Display omitted] •Embryonic stem cell-derived glia cell types.•Protocols to generate glia in vitro.•Glial-derived cues playing roles in CNS disease progression.•Glial-derived CNS therapies.