RNAseq analysis for Fast Generated Functional Subtype Astrocytes from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. RNAseq analysis for Fast Generated Functional Subtype Astrocytes from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Differentiation of astrocytes from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is a tedious and variable process. This hampers the study of hPSC-generated astrocytes in disease processes and drug development. By using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated inducible expression of NFIA or NFIA plus SOX9 in hPSCs, we developed a method to efficiently generate astrocytes in 4-7 weeks. The astrocytic identity of the induced cells was verified by their characteristic molecular and functional properties as well as after transplantation. Furthermore, we developed a strategy to generate region-specific astrocyte subtypes by combining differentiation of regional progenitors and transgenic induction of astrocytes. This simple and efficient method offers a new opportunity to study the fundamental biology of human astrocytes and their roles in disease processes. Overall design: Total 5 samples analyzed, including two transgenic induced samples, two non-transgenic induced samples and primary astrocytes.