Laser Capture Microdissection of Neurons from Differentiated Human Neuroprogenitor Cells in Culture

The overall goal of the following experiment is to develop a human neuronal culture model, identify neuronal markers and isolate a pure population of neurons for gene expression analysis. This is achieved by first expanding human neuro progenitor cells to create a continuous supply of progenitor cells. As a second step, the neuro progenitor cells are cultured in the presence of differentiation supplements and neurotrophic growth factors in dishes coated with attachment factors.

Next, immunofluorescent staining for neuronal markers is performed to determine the fate of the differentiated neuro progenitor cells. Finally, laser capture microdissection of neurons cultured on PEN membrane Slides is performed to facilitate neuron specific gene expression analysis. Results are obtained that show differentiated neuro progenitor cells to be predominantly neuronal in nature.