Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has been shown to promote proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells. In this study, we treated mice with cerebral infarction using LIF to investigate whether the LIF receptor sub...Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has been shown to promote proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells. In this study, we treated mice with cerebral infarction using LIF to investigate whether the LIF receptor subunit glycoprotein (gp)130 is involved in neuroprotection. After LIF treatment, the motor function of model mice was significantly improved. Immunofluorescence histochemistry showed increased numbers of endogenous neural stem cells surrounding the infarct foci. Western blot analysis revealed that gp130 expression was significantly decreased surrounding the infarcted foci. Results demonstrated that LIF promoted the proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells by inhibiting gp130 protein expression.展开更多
The present study established a mouse model of cerebral infarction by middle cerebral artery occlusion, and monitored the effect of 25 tJg/kg leukemia inhibitory factor and (or) basic fibroblast growth factor admini...The present study established a mouse model of cerebral infarction by middle cerebral artery occlusion, and monitored the effect of 25 tJg/kg leukemia inhibitory factor and (or) basic fibroblast growth factor administration 2 hours after model establishment. Results showed that following administration, the number of endogenous neural stem cells in the infarct area significantly increased, malondialdehyde content in brain tissue homogenates significantly decreased, nitric oxide content, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity significantly elevated, and mouse motor function significantly improved as confirmed by the rotarod and bar grab tests. In particular, the effect of leukemia inhibitory factor in combination with basic fibroblast growth factor was the most significant. Results indicate that leukemia inhibitory factor and basic fibroblast growth factor can improve the microenvironment after cerebral infarction by altering free radical levels, improving the quantity of endogenous neural stem cells, and promoting neurological function of mice with cerebral infarction.展开更多
目的探究GATA结合蛋白3(GATA binding protein 3,GATA3)对乳腺癌细胞迁移能力的影响。方法在MCF7细胞中利用慢病毒载体介导的基因干涉技术敲低GATA3基因,使用实时定量荧光PCR(qRT-PCR)和蛋白质印迹检测GATA3和LIFR的mRNA和蛋白表达水平,...目的探究GATA结合蛋白3(GATA binding protein 3,GATA3)对乳腺癌细胞迁移能力的影响。方法在MCF7细胞中利用慢病毒载体介导的基因干涉技术敲低GATA3基因,使用实时定量荧光PCR(qRT-PCR)和蛋白质印迹检测GATA3和LIFR的mRNA和蛋白表达水平,Transwell实验检测MCF7细胞的迁移能力。在MCF7和T47D细胞中用染色质免疫沉淀(ChIP-qPCR)实验检测GATA3在LIFR的启动子区的结合位点。在敲低GATA3基因的MCF7细胞中回补LIFR,通过细胞划痕实验和Transwell实验检测MCF7细胞的迁移能力。结果与对照组相比,敲低GATA3基因的MCF7细胞的迁移能力增强(P_(均)<0.05)。与对照组相比,敲低GATA3基因的MCF7细胞的LIFR表达水平降低(P_(均)<0.05)。乳腺癌细胞MCF7与T47D中GATA3在LIFR的启动子区有结合(P_(均)<0.05)。在敲低GATA3基因的MCF7细胞中稳定过表达LIFR可以部分挽救GATA3基因敲低引起的细胞迁移能力的增强(P_(均)<0.05)。结论GATA3通过转录激活LIFR抑制乳腺癌细胞MCF7的迁移。展开更多
Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor(LIFR),as a neuroregulatory cytokine receptor,generally shows a neuroprotective effect in central nervous system injuries.In this study,to understand the effect of LIFR on pathogenes...Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor(LIFR),as a neuroregulatory cytokine receptor,generally shows a neuroprotective effect in central nervous system injuries.In this study,to understand the effect of LIFR on pathogenesis of neural tube defects,we explored spatiotemporal expression of LIFR at different stages of fetal development in normal and neural tube defect embryos.Spina bifida aperta was induced with all-trans retinoic acid on embryonic day 10 in rats,and the spatiotemporal expression of LIFR was investigated in spina bifida aperta rats and healthy rats from embryonic day 11 to 17.Real time-polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay were used to examine mRNA and protein expression of LIFR in healthy control and neural tube defect embryos.Results of the animal experiment demonstrated that expression of LIFR protein and mRNA in the spinal cords of normal rat embryos increased with embryonic development.LIFR was significantly downregulated in the spinal cords of spina bifida aperta rats compared with healthy rats from embryonic days 11 to 17.Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of LIFR in placenta and spinal cord in spina bifida aperta rat embryos was decreased compared with that in control embryos at embryonic day 15.Results from human embryo specimens showed that LIFR mRNA expression was significantly down-regulated in spinal cords of human fetuses with neural tube defects compared with normal controls at a gestational age of 24 to 33 weeks.The results were consistent with the down-regulation of LIFR in the animal experiments.Our study revealed spatiotemporal changes in expression of LIFR during embryonic neurulation.Thus,LIFR might play a specific role in neural tube development.All animal and human experimental procedures were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University,China(approval No.2016PS106K)on February 25,2016.展开更多
Neurogenesis and angiogenesis can improve the neurologic function after intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH).Leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF)plays an important role in neurogenesis and angiogenesis.In this study,a rat model o...Neurogenesis and angiogenesis can improve the neurologic function after intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH).Leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF)plays an important role in neurogenesis and angiogenesis.In this study,a rat model of autologous blood-induced ICH was used to evaluate the effect of LIF on the neurogenesis and angiogenesis following ICH.After ICH,LIF-positive neurons and dilated vessels were detected in the peri-hematomal region.It was found that LIF levels increased significantly and peaked 14 days after ICH induction.Double immunofluorescence confirmed that LIF was expressed in neurons and endothelial cells.ICH also led to increases of doublecortin(DCX)-and von Willebrand factor(vWF)-positive cells as well as proliferation of cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)+/DCX+and PCNA+/vWF+nuclei.All these ICH-induced increases were significantly attenuated by exogenous LIF in fusion.These data suggested that LIF was a negative regulator of neurogenesis and angiogenesis after ICH.展开更多
In order to investigate the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in airway epithelial tissues of normal and asthmatic rats, the influence of dexamethasone and the role of LIF in pathogenesis of asthma, 30 ...In order to investigate the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in airway epithelial tissues of normal and asthmatic rats, the influence of dexamethasone and the role of LIF in pathogenesis of asthma, 30 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (10 for each group): normal group, asthma model group, and dexamethasone-interfered group. In asthma model group and dexamethasone-interfered group, asthma rat models were established by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 10% ovalbumin (OVA) and challenge with 1% OVA via inhalation. Rats in dexamethasone-interfered group were pretreated with dexamethasone (2 mg/kg, i.p) 30 min before each challenge. The expression of LIF protein in lung was detected by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that LIF protein was mainly expressed in cytoplasm of bronchial epithelial cells. The expression of LIF protein in the airway epithelial tissue of asthma model group was significantly higher than that in normal group and dexamethasone-interfered group (P〈0.01), but there was no significant difference between normal group and dexamethasone-interfered group (P〉0.05). It was concluded that the expression of LIF was increased significantly in the airway epithelial tissue of the asthma rats, and dexamethasone could down-regulate the expression of LIF. It was suggested that LIF might play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma as an inflammation regulator.展开更多
目的探讨参芪地黄汤化裁联合胰岛素治疗在二甲双胍控制血糖不佳气阴两虚证糖尿病患者中的应用价值。方法选取2019年3月—2022年6月就诊的100例二甲双胍控制血糖不佳气阴两虚证糖尿病开展回顾性研究,均为2型糖尿病。根据治疗方法不同分...目的探讨参芪地黄汤化裁联合胰岛素治疗在二甲双胍控制血糖不佳气阴两虚证糖尿病患者中的应用价值。方法选取2019年3月—2022年6月就诊的100例二甲双胍控制血糖不佳气阴两虚证糖尿病开展回顾性研究,均为2型糖尿病。根据治疗方法不同分为研究组和常规组,每组50例。研究组采用参芪地黄汤化裁联合胰岛素治疗,常规组采用胰岛素治疗。比较2组疗效、中医证候积分、血糖相关指标[糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)、稳态模型胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)、餐后2 h血糖(2 h PBG)、空腹血糖(FBG)、胰岛β细胞功能指数(HOMA-β)]、炎性指标[C反应蛋白(CRP)、单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1)、白血病抑制因子(LIF)、高迁移率族蛋白B1(HMGB1)]、预后指标[脂蛋白相关磷脂酶A2(Lp-PLA2)、血尿酸(SUA)、甲状腺球蛋白(TG)]及安全性。结果研究组临床总有效率94.00%(47/50)高于常规组80.00%(40/50)(P<0.05)。治疗后研究组各中医证候积分及总积分低于常规组(P<0.05)。治疗后研究组HbA1c、2 h PBG、FBG、HOMA-IR低于常规组,HOMA-β高于常规组(P<0.05)。治疗后研究组CRP、MCP-1、LIF、HMGB1、Lp-PLA2、SUA、TG低于常规组(P<0.05)。2组不良反应发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论参芪地黄汤化裁联合胰岛素治疗二甲双胍控制血糖不佳气阴两虚证糖尿病患者效果显著,可有效降低血糖水平,改善临床症状,减轻炎症反应,且安全性高。展开更多
Objective:To study regulation of external leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF) and interlukin 1(IL 1) on the expression of integrin β 3 in the mouse endometrium during peri implantation period and explore the mechanism wh...Objective:To study regulation of external leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF) and interlukin 1(IL 1) on the expression of integrin β 3 in the mouse endometrium during peri implantation period and explore the mechanism which LIF participate in embryonic implantation.Methods:The mice were injected peritoneally with LIF,IL 1 or IL 1ra at different administration on day 2~4 of pregnancy.The level of integrin β 3 protein was measured with Westernblot method and mRNA measured with RT PCR.Results:The levels of integrin β 3 protein and mRNA were increased by LIF and IL 1(P<0.05) and which relied on administration.The level of integrin β 3 mRNA was decreased by IL 1ra (P<0.05).Conclusion:LIF and IL 1 of cytokines can improve the expression of integrin β 3 in the peri implantation endometrium of mouse.Both of them may take part in implantation by regulating cell adhesion molecules.展开更多
Roof plate secretion of bone morphogenetic proteins(BMPs)directs the cellular fate of sensory neurons during spinal cord development,including the formation of the ascending sensory columns,though their biology is not...Roof plate secretion of bone morphogenetic proteins(BMPs)directs the cellular fate of sensory neurons during spinal cord development,including the formation of the ascending sensory columns,though their biology is not well understood.Type-ⅡBMP receptor(BMPRⅡ),the cognate receptor,is expressed by neural precursor cells during embryogenesis;however,an in vitro method of enriching BMPRⅡ^(+)human neural precursor cells(hNPCs)from the fetal spinal cord is absent.Immunofluorescence was undertaken on intact second-trimester human fetal spinal cord using antibodies to BMPRⅡand leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF).Regions of highest BMPRⅡ^(+)immunofluorescence localized to sensory columns.Parenchymal and meningeal-associated BMPRⅡ^(+)vascular cells were identified in both intact fetal spinal cord and cortex by co-positivity with vascular lineage markers,CD34/CD39.LIF immunostaining identified a population of somas concentrated in dorsal and ventral horn interneurons,mirroring the expression of LIF receptor/CD118.A combination of LIF supplementation and high-density culture maintained culture growth beyond 10 passages,while synergistically increasing the proportion of neurospheres with a stratified,cytoarchitecture.These neurospheres were characterized by BMPRⅡ^(+)/MAP2ab^(+/–)/βⅢ-tubulin^(+)/nestin^(–)/vimentin^(–)/GFAP^(–)/NeuN^(–)surface hNPCs surrounding a heterogeneous core ofβⅢ-tubulin^(+)/nestin^(+)/vimentin^(+)/GFAP^(+)/MAP2ab^(–)/NeuN^(–)multipotent precursors.Dissociated cultures from tripotential neurospheres contained neuronal(βⅢ-tubulin^(+)),astrocytic(GFAP+),and oligodendrocytic(O4+)lineage cells.Fluorescence-activated cell sorting-sorted BMPRⅡ^(+)hNPCs were MAP2ab^(+/–)/βⅢ-tubulin^(+)/GFAP^(–)/O4^(–)in culture.This is the first isolation of BMPRⅡ^(+)hNPCs identified and characterized in human fetal spinal cords.Our data show that LIF combines synergistically with high-density reaggregate cultures to support the organotypic reorganization of neurospheres,characterized by surface BMPRⅡ^(+)hNPCs.Our study has provided a new methodology for an in vitro model capable of amplifying human fetal spinal cord cell numbers for>10 passages.Investigations of the role BMPRⅡplays in spinal cord development have primarily relied upon mouse and rat models,with interpolations to human development being derived through inference.Because of significant species differences between murine biology and human,including anatomical dissimilarities in central nervous system(CNS)structure,the findings made in murine models cannot be presumed to apply to human spinal cord development.For these reasons,our human in vitro model offers a novel tool to better understand neurodevelopmental pathways,including BMP signaling,as well as spinal cord injury research and testing drug therapies.展开更多
基金the Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars, Ministry of Education, No. [2007]1108the Key Program of Tianjin Health Bureau, No. 06KG05
文摘Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has been shown to promote proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells. In this study, we treated mice with cerebral infarction using LIF to investigate whether the LIF receptor subunit glycoprotein (gp)130 is involved in neuroprotection. After LIF treatment, the motor function of model mice was significantly improved. Immunofluorescence histochemistry showed increased numbers of endogenous neural stem cells surrounding the infarct foci. Western blot analysis revealed that gp130 expression was significantly decreased surrounding the infarcted foci. Results demonstrated that LIF promoted the proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells by inhibiting gp130 protein expression.
基金supported by grants from the Ministry of Education of China,No.[2007]1108Tianjin Health Bureau,No.06KG05
文摘The present study established a mouse model of cerebral infarction by middle cerebral artery occlusion, and monitored the effect of 25 tJg/kg leukemia inhibitory factor and (or) basic fibroblast growth factor administration 2 hours after model establishment. Results showed that following administration, the number of endogenous neural stem cells in the infarct area significantly increased, malondialdehyde content in brain tissue homogenates significantly decreased, nitric oxide content, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity significantly elevated, and mouse motor function significantly improved as confirmed by the rotarod and bar grab tests. In particular, the effect of leukemia inhibitory factor in combination with basic fibroblast growth factor was the most significant. Results indicate that leukemia inhibitory factor and basic fibroblast growth factor can improve the microenvironment after cerebral infarction by altering free radical levels, improving the quantity of endogenous neural stem cells, and promoting neurological function of mice with cerebral infarction.
文摘目的探究GATA结合蛋白3(GATA binding protein 3,GATA3)对乳腺癌细胞迁移能力的影响。方法在MCF7细胞中利用慢病毒载体介导的基因干涉技术敲低GATA3基因,使用实时定量荧光PCR(qRT-PCR)和蛋白质印迹检测GATA3和LIFR的mRNA和蛋白表达水平,Transwell实验检测MCF7细胞的迁移能力。在MCF7和T47D细胞中用染色质免疫沉淀(ChIP-qPCR)实验检测GATA3在LIFR的启动子区的结合位点。在敲低GATA3基因的MCF7细胞中回补LIFR,通过细胞划痕实验和Transwell实验检测MCF7细胞的迁移能力。结果与对照组相比,敲低GATA3基因的MCF7细胞的迁移能力增强(P_(均)<0.05)。与对照组相比,敲低GATA3基因的MCF7细胞的LIFR表达水平降低(P_(均)<0.05)。乳腺癌细胞MCF7与T47D中GATA3在LIFR的启动子区有结合(P_(均)<0.05)。在敲低GATA3基因的MCF7细胞中稳定过表达LIFR可以部分挽救GATA3基因敲低引起的细胞迁移能力的增强(P_(均)<0.05)。结论GATA3通过转录激活LIFR抑制乳腺癌细胞MCF7的迁移。
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81601292(to DA),No.81671469(to ZWY)the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program),No.2013CB945402(to ZWY)the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2016YFC1000505(to ZWY)
文摘Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor(LIFR),as a neuroregulatory cytokine receptor,generally shows a neuroprotective effect in central nervous system injuries.In this study,to understand the effect of LIFR on pathogenesis of neural tube defects,we explored spatiotemporal expression of LIFR at different stages of fetal development in normal and neural tube defect embryos.Spina bifida aperta was induced with all-trans retinoic acid on embryonic day 10 in rats,and the spatiotemporal expression of LIFR was investigated in spina bifida aperta rats and healthy rats from embryonic day 11 to 17.Real time-polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay were used to examine mRNA and protein expression of LIFR in healthy control and neural tube defect embryos.Results of the animal experiment demonstrated that expression of LIFR protein and mRNA in the spinal cords of normal rat embryos increased with embryonic development.LIFR was significantly downregulated in the spinal cords of spina bifida aperta rats compared with healthy rats from embryonic days 11 to 17.Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of LIFR in placenta and spinal cord in spina bifida aperta rat embryos was decreased compared with that in control embryos at embryonic day 15.Results from human embryo specimens showed that LIFR mRNA expression was significantly down-regulated in spinal cords of human fetuses with neural tube defects compared with normal controls at a gestational age of 24 to 33 weeks.The results were consistent with the down-regulation of LIFR in the animal experiments.Our study revealed spatiotemporal changes in expression of LIFR during embryonic neurulation.Thus,LIFR might play a specific role in neural tube development.All animal and human experimental procedures were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University,China(approval No.2016PS106K)on February 25,2016.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81202625,30400581,30873221 and 81173175)the Project for New Century Excellent Talents(No.NCET-11-0522)+1 种基金the Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation(Nos.07JJ5007 and 10JJ2023)the Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases(China Three Gorges University,No.2016KXN06).
文摘Neurogenesis and angiogenesis can improve the neurologic function after intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH).Leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF)plays an important role in neurogenesis and angiogenesis.In this study,a rat model of autologous blood-induced ICH was used to evaluate the effect of LIF on the neurogenesis and angiogenesis following ICH.After ICH,LIF-positive neurons and dilated vessels were detected in the peri-hematomal region.It was found that LIF levels increased significantly and peaked 14 days after ICH induction.Double immunofluorescence confirmed that LIF was expressed in neurons and endothelial cells.ICH also led to increases of doublecortin(DCX)-and von Willebrand factor(vWF)-positive cells as well as proliferation of cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)+/DCX+and PCNA+/vWF+nuclei.All these ICH-induced increases were significantly attenuated by exogenous LIF in fusion.These data suggested that LIF was a negative regulator of neurogenesis and angiogenesis after ICH.
文摘In order to investigate the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in airway epithelial tissues of normal and asthmatic rats, the influence of dexamethasone and the role of LIF in pathogenesis of asthma, 30 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (10 for each group): normal group, asthma model group, and dexamethasone-interfered group. In asthma model group and dexamethasone-interfered group, asthma rat models were established by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 10% ovalbumin (OVA) and challenge with 1% OVA via inhalation. Rats in dexamethasone-interfered group were pretreated with dexamethasone (2 mg/kg, i.p) 30 min before each challenge. The expression of LIF protein in lung was detected by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that LIF protein was mainly expressed in cytoplasm of bronchial epithelial cells. The expression of LIF protein in the airway epithelial tissue of asthma model group was significantly higher than that in normal group and dexamethasone-interfered group (P〈0.01), but there was no significant difference between normal group and dexamethasone-interfered group (P〉0.05). It was concluded that the expression of LIF was increased significantly in the airway epithelial tissue of the asthma rats, and dexamethasone could down-regulate the expression of LIF. It was suggested that LIF might play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma as an inflammation regulator.
文摘目的探讨参芪地黄汤化裁联合胰岛素治疗在二甲双胍控制血糖不佳气阴两虚证糖尿病患者中的应用价值。方法选取2019年3月—2022年6月就诊的100例二甲双胍控制血糖不佳气阴两虚证糖尿病开展回顾性研究,均为2型糖尿病。根据治疗方法不同分为研究组和常规组,每组50例。研究组采用参芪地黄汤化裁联合胰岛素治疗,常规组采用胰岛素治疗。比较2组疗效、中医证候积分、血糖相关指标[糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)、稳态模型胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)、餐后2 h血糖(2 h PBG)、空腹血糖(FBG)、胰岛β细胞功能指数(HOMA-β)]、炎性指标[C反应蛋白(CRP)、单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1)、白血病抑制因子(LIF)、高迁移率族蛋白B1(HMGB1)]、预后指标[脂蛋白相关磷脂酶A2(Lp-PLA2)、血尿酸(SUA)、甲状腺球蛋白(TG)]及安全性。结果研究组临床总有效率94.00%(47/50)高于常规组80.00%(40/50)(P<0.05)。治疗后研究组各中医证候积分及总积分低于常规组(P<0.05)。治疗后研究组HbA1c、2 h PBG、FBG、HOMA-IR低于常规组,HOMA-β高于常规组(P<0.05)。治疗后研究组CRP、MCP-1、LIF、HMGB1、Lp-PLA2、SUA、TG低于常规组(P<0.05)。2组不良反应发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论参芪地黄汤化裁联合胰岛素治疗二甲双胍控制血糖不佳气阴两虚证糖尿病患者效果显著,可有效降低血糖水平,改善临床症状,减轻炎症反应,且安全性高。
文摘Objective:To study regulation of external leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF) and interlukin 1(IL 1) on the expression of integrin β 3 in the mouse endometrium during peri implantation period and explore the mechanism which LIF participate in embryonic implantation.Methods:The mice were injected peritoneally with LIF,IL 1 or IL 1ra at different administration on day 2~4 of pregnancy.The level of integrin β 3 protein was measured with Westernblot method and mRNA measured with RT PCR.Results:The levels of integrin β 3 protein and mRNA were increased by LIF and IL 1(P<0.05) and which relied on administration.The level of integrin β 3 mRNA was decreased by IL 1ra (P<0.05).Conclusion:LIF and IL 1 of cytokines can improve the expression of integrin β 3 in the peri implantation endometrium of mouse.Both of them may take part in implantation by regulating cell adhesion molecules.
基金supported by grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council(NHMRC)of Australia(Nos.571100 and 1048082)the Baxter Charitable Foundation(to TCL)+1 种基金Medical Research grants from the Rebecca L.Cooper Medical Research Foundation(to MWW,TCL,and MDL)supported by a Charles D.Kelman,M.D.Postdoctoral Award(2010)from the International Retinal Research Foundation(USA)。
文摘Roof plate secretion of bone morphogenetic proteins(BMPs)directs the cellular fate of sensory neurons during spinal cord development,including the formation of the ascending sensory columns,though their biology is not well understood.Type-ⅡBMP receptor(BMPRⅡ),the cognate receptor,is expressed by neural precursor cells during embryogenesis;however,an in vitro method of enriching BMPRⅡ^(+)human neural precursor cells(hNPCs)from the fetal spinal cord is absent.Immunofluorescence was undertaken on intact second-trimester human fetal spinal cord using antibodies to BMPRⅡand leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF).Regions of highest BMPRⅡ^(+)immunofluorescence localized to sensory columns.Parenchymal and meningeal-associated BMPRⅡ^(+)vascular cells were identified in both intact fetal spinal cord and cortex by co-positivity with vascular lineage markers,CD34/CD39.LIF immunostaining identified a population of somas concentrated in dorsal and ventral horn interneurons,mirroring the expression of LIF receptor/CD118.A combination of LIF supplementation and high-density culture maintained culture growth beyond 10 passages,while synergistically increasing the proportion of neurospheres with a stratified,cytoarchitecture.These neurospheres were characterized by BMPRⅡ^(+)/MAP2ab^(+/–)/βⅢ-tubulin^(+)/nestin^(–)/vimentin^(–)/GFAP^(–)/NeuN^(–)surface hNPCs surrounding a heterogeneous core ofβⅢ-tubulin^(+)/nestin^(+)/vimentin^(+)/GFAP^(+)/MAP2ab^(–)/NeuN^(–)multipotent precursors.Dissociated cultures from tripotential neurospheres contained neuronal(βⅢ-tubulin^(+)),astrocytic(GFAP+),and oligodendrocytic(O4+)lineage cells.Fluorescence-activated cell sorting-sorted BMPRⅡ^(+)hNPCs were MAP2ab^(+/–)/βⅢ-tubulin^(+)/GFAP^(–)/O4^(–)in culture.This is the first isolation of BMPRⅡ^(+)hNPCs identified and characterized in human fetal spinal cords.Our data show that LIF combines synergistically with high-density reaggregate cultures to support the organotypic reorganization of neurospheres,characterized by surface BMPRⅡ^(+)hNPCs.Our study has provided a new methodology for an in vitro model capable of amplifying human fetal spinal cord cell numbers for>10 passages.Investigations of the role BMPRⅡplays in spinal cord development have primarily relied upon mouse and rat models,with interpolations to human development being derived through inference.Because of significant species differences between murine biology and human,including anatomical dissimilarities in central nervous system(CNS)structure,the findings made in murine models cannot be presumed to apply to human spinal cord development.For these reasons,our human in vitro model offers a novel tool to better understand neurodevelopmental pathways,including BMP signaling,as well as spinal cord injury research and testing drug therapies.