Conversion of Human Fibroblasts to Stably Self-Renewing Neural Stem Cells with a Single Zinc-Finger Transcription Factor

Direct conversion of somatic cells into neural stem cells (NSCs) by defined factors holds great promise for mechanistic studies, drug screening, and potential cell therapies for different neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we report that a single zinc-finger transcription factor, Zfp521, is sufficient for direct conversion of human fibroblasts into long-term self-renewable and multipotent NSCs. In vitro, Zfp521-induced NSCs maintained their characteristics in the absence of exogenous factor expression and exhibited morphological, molecular, developmental, and functional properties that were similar to control NSCs. In addition, the single-seeded induced NSCs were able to form NSC colonies with efficiency comparable with control NSCs and expressed NSC markers. The converted cells were capable of surviving, migrating, and attaining neural phenotypes after transplantation into neonatal mouse and adult rat brains, without forming tumors. Moreover, the Zfp521-induced NSCs predominantly expressed rostral genes. Our results suggest a facilitated approach for establishing human NSCs through Zfp521-driven conversion of fibroblasts. [Display omitted] •ZFP521 can directly convert human fetal, neonatal, and adult fibroblasts into NSCs•iNSCs exhibit NSC properties, i.e., markers, long-term self-renewal, and tripotency•ZFP521-iNSCs predominantly express rostral markers•Single-seeded ZFP521-iNSCs are clonogenically comparable with control NSCs Baharvand, Saric, and colleagues show that a single transcription factor Zfp521 is capable of converting murine and human fibroblasts into long-term self-renewing neural stem cells that are clonogenic and possess morphological, functional and molecular characteristics similar to their endogenous counterparts. These cells represent a valuable alternative source of cells for developmental studies, toxicology, and regenerative therapies of the nervous system.