Comparative analysis of neuroectodermal differentiation capacity of human bone marrow stromal cells by various conversion protocols

Marrow stromal cells (MSCs) are capable of differentiating into multiple mesodermal tissues, including bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle. In addition, these cells were reported to differentiate in vitro and in vivo into cells expressing neuronal and glial markers. However, some controversy persists regarding the in vitro differentiation potential of MSCs into neurons and glia. Several in vitro studies, could not reproduce some of the transdifferentiation protocols. To clarify the neuroectodermal potential of human MSCs, we reevaluated some recent protocols used for the neuroectodermal differentiation of human MSC…