Forward programming of human pluripotent stem cells to generate glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in a tri-culture model with astrocytes
Summary
We successfully generated hPSC-derived excitatory and inhibitory neurons to establish an appropriate E/I balance in vitro, supported by primary astrocytes. Although astrocyte identity was confirmed in our hPSC-derived astrocytes, further optimization is required to achieve full functional maturation. This approach to developing an isogenic co-culture system derived from a single hPSC line may more faithfully replicate native neural network dynamics, offering a physiologically relevant platform for studying neurological disorders and screening therapeutic compounds. © 2026. The Author(s).
| Authors | Gu J, Rollo B, Liu Z, O'Brien TJ, Kwan P, Cromer B, Sumer H |
|---|---|
| Journal | Stem cell research & therapy |
| Publication Date | 2026 Feb 25;17(1) |
| PubMed | 41742306 |
| PubMed Central | PMC13040982 |
| DOI | 10.1186/s13287-026-04917-6 |