AUTHOR=Poulou Maria , Mandalos Nikolaos P. , Karnavas Theodoros , Saridaki Marannia , McKay Ronald D. G. , Remboutsika Eumorphia TITLE=A “Hit and Run” Approach to Inducible Direct Reprogramming of Astrocytes to Neural Stem Cells JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology VOLUME=7 YEAR=2016 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2016.00127 DOI=10.3389/fphys.2016.00127 ISSN=1664-042X ABSTRACT=

Temporal and spatial control of gene expression can be achieved using an inducible system as a fundamental tool for regulated transcription in basic, applied and eventually in clinical research. We describe a novel “hit and run” inducible direct reprogramming approach. In a single step, 2 days post-transfection, transiently transfected Sox2FLAG under the Leu3p-αIPM inducible control (iSox2) triggers the activation of endogenous Sox2, redirecting primary astrocytes into abundant distinct nestin-positive radial glia cells. This technique introduces a unique novel tool for safe, rapid and efficient reprogramming amendable to regenerative medicine.