Generation of Schwann cell progenitors from murine ES cells

Schwann cells (SCs) constitute the main glia population of the peripheral nervous system. Irreparable damages of Schwann cells are the cause of a broad spectrum of neurological diseases. In vitro differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells could represent an attractive strategy to derive SCs in large numbers in vitro. We have recently developed methods for the derivation of CNS glia from murine ES cells. Here we set out to explore whether BMP-induced promotion of neural crest differentiation can be exploited for the generation of ES cell-derived SCs. Following growth factor withdrawal, ES cell-derived neural pr…