In vitro differentiation of the hypothalamic KNDy neuron, a master regulator for reproduction, from mouse embryonic stem cells - PubMed
4 hours ago
- #KNDy neurons
- #stem cell differentiation
- #reproductive biology
- Hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons (KNDy neurons) are master regulators of reproduction in mammals.
- KNDy neurons stimulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, influencing puberty onset and gonadal function.
- Mutations in genes related to KNDy peptides (KISS1, GPR54, TAC3) cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in humans and rodents.
- A method was developed to differentiate KNDy neurons from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs).
- Differentiation involved Sonic Hedgehog signaling and Notch inhibition to generate kisspeptin-, NKB-, and Dyn-expressing cells.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of KNDy peptides, and kisspeptin secretion was detected in culture supernatants.
- This study provides the first cellular model of KNDy neurons from pluripotent stem cells, aiding research into reproductive disorders.