Home
Resources
Publications
Transcriptome Analysis of Small Molecule-Mediated Astrocyte-to-Neuron Reprogramming

Transcriptome Analysis of Small Molecule-Mediated Astrocyte-to-Neuron Reprogramming

Ning-Xin Ma, Jiu-Chao Yin, Gong Chen

Front Cell Dev Biol. 2019 May 31;7:82.

PMID: 31231645

Abstract:

Chemical reprogramming of astrocytes into neurons represents a promising approach to regenerate new neurons for brain repair, but the underlying mechanisms driving this trans-differentiation process are not well understood. We have recently identified four small molecules - CHIR99021, DAPT, LDN193189, and SB431542 - that can efficiently reprogram cultured human fetal astrocytes into functional neurons. Here we employ the next generation of RNA-sequencing technology to investigate the transcriptome changes during the astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) conversion process. We found that the four small molecules can rapidly activate the hedgehog signaling pathway while downregulating many glial genes such as FN1 and MYL9 within 24 h of treatment. Chemical reprogramming is mediated by several waves of differential gene expression, including upregulation of hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch signaling pathways, together with downregulation of TGF-β and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Our gene network analyses reveal many well-connected hub genes such as repulsive guidance molecule A (RGMA), neuronatin (NNAT), neurogenin 2 (NEUROG2), NPTX2, MOXD1, JAG1, and GAP43, which may coordinate the chemical reprogramming process. Together, these findings provide critical insights into the molecular cascades triggered by a combination of small molecules that eventually leads to chemical conversion of astrocytes into neurons.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
AP252917069-A	CHIR99021		252917-06-9	Price

As a specialist in analytical chemical Products, Alfa Chemistry offers consumers a wealth of raw materials and a full range of technologies and services.

QUICK LINKS

HEADQUARTERS

Tel:

Fax:

Email: