Neuronal cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells as a functional tool of melanocortin system

Nobuko Yamada-Goto, Yukari Ochi, Goro Katsuura, Yui Yamashita, Ken Ebihara, Michio Noguchi, Junji Fujikura, Daisuke Taura, Masakatsu Sone, Kiminori Hosoda, Paul E. Gottschall, Kazuwa Nakao

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background The preparation of human neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can serve as a potential tool for evaluating the physiological and pathophysiological properties of human neurons and for drug development. Methods In the present study, the functional activity in neuronal cells differentiated from human iPS cells was observed. Results The differentiated cells expressed mRNAs for classical neuronal markers (microtubule-associated protein 2, β-tubulin III, calbindin 1, synaptophysin and postsynaptic density protein 95) and for subunits of various excitatory and inhibitory transmitters (NR1, NR2A, NR2B, GABAA α1). Moreover, the differentiated cells expressed neuropeptides and receptors which are predominantly present in the hypothalamus. The expression of mRNA for preopiomelanocortin, agouti-related protein (AgRP), melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) increased in culture with a peak on Day 30 which subsequently decreased at Day 45. Immunoreactivities for MC3R and MC4R were also observed in cells differentiated from human iPS cells. Application of a potent agonist for MC3R and MC4R, [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, significantly increased intracellular cAMP levels, but this was suppressed by AgRP (83-132) and SHU9119. Conclusions These findings offer the possibility for drug developments using neurons differentiated from normal or disease-associated human iPS cells.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)10-20
Number of pages11
JournalNeuropeptides
Volume65
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017 Oct
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Food intake
  • Human iPS cells
  • Melanocortin system
  • Neuronal cells
  • Neuropeptides
  • cAMP

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology
  • Neurology
  • Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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