Generation of Peripheral Neurons from Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have been directed to differentiate into neuronal cells using many cell-culture techniques. Central nervous system cells with clinical importance have been produced from hESCs. However, till this study, there have been no definitive reports of generation of peripheral neurons from hESCs. The main questions addressed in this study were: 1) Is it possible to direct hES cells or neural precursors derived from ES cells to differentiate into peripheral neurons? 2) If peripheral neuron generation is possible, are they generated via neural crest-like precurors, as in- vivo? Such an in-vitro system may be used for studying molecular and cellular events in the almost inaccessible human NC, as well as for producing normal human peripheral neurons for the development of therapies for diseases such as Familial Dysautonomia (FD) it was essential to improve the yield of NCC and PS-neuron generation.