View All Posters

P2036
Stem Cell-Derived Neurons In CNS Drug Discovery
Presenter Laura Jackson, StemCell Services
Additional Authors: L.Gerrard, A.Nunn, C.Verastegui, C.Wells, D. Pau, A. Finucane, I.McPhee, M. Lynch, S.Day, S.M.Hammond, S.J.MacKenzie)
StemCell Services have identified a G-protein coupled receptor, dysregulation of which is implicated in schizophrenia. Knocking down this receptor in embryonic-derived neuronal stem cells, has ultimately enabled the development of an in vitro diseased modelling system for CNS drug discovery.This was investigated by applying the expertise of StemCell Services in embryonic stem cell culture and assay development to derive functional neuronal cells.
Mature neuronal stem cells were successfully derived from human embryonic stem cells and fully characterised and functionally validated by immunocytochemistry, real-time PCR, electrophysiology and gene array. Subsequently these cells have been manipulated into a format suitable for high-throughput screening for the discovery of novel CNS drugs for development.
These neuronal stem cells have been used to screen and identify agonists of the target receptor using a fluorescent screening system, which measures membrane potential and calcium flux. This system has been enhanced further, by knocking down the identified gene by siRNA in the neuronal stem cells.
By using these cells and technology, StemCell Services can identify compounds which can be developed further for the treatment of schizophrenia.