Protocol for differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells from human iPSCs and their application in CRISPRa-mediated gene regulation
Summary
Directed differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) holds major promise for the development of disease models, drug screening platforms, and regenerative medicine. Here, we provide a step-by-step highly reproducible protocol for differentiating vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) from hiPSCs, including hiPSC culture, hiPSC differentiation, and vSMC passaging under chemically defined conditions. We also detail molecular and functional analysis procedures for hiPSC-derived contractile vSMCs along with endogenous transcriptional activation modulation ready for any downstream application. Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
| Authors | Priesmeier L, Tiburcy M, Zelarayán LC |
|---|---|
| Journal | STAR protocols |
| Publication Date | 2026 Jan 21;7(1):104345 |
| PubMed | 41575845 |
| PubMed Central | PMC12861205 |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.xpro.2025.104345 |