Patterning inconsistencies restrict the true potential of dopaminergic neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells

Human induced pluripotent stem cells(hiPSCs)are multipotent stem cells genetically reprogrammed using transcription factors,such as Sox2,c-Myc,Oct3/4 and Klf4(Takahashi and Yamanaka,2006)from fibroblasts,derived from either patient or control individuals.These factors are highly expressed in embryonic stem cells,and their overexpression can induce pluripotency in human somatic cells such as fibroblasts.Upon the generation of hiPSCs after reprogramming,these cells can be further differentiated into multiple neuronal cell types by using a strictly designed protocol.This process is known as patterning.Correct use of these hiPSCs derived neurons holds immense potential for researchers to uncover the underpinnings of disease pathophysiology and therefore is considered as a powerful tool.