Induction of motor neuron differentiation by transduction of Olig2 protein

Olig2 protein, a member of the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor family, was introduced into the mouse embryonic carcinoma cell line P19 for induction of motor neuron differentiation. We show that Olig2 protein has the ability to permeate the cell membrane without the addition of a protein transduction domain (PTD), similar to other basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors such as MyoD and NeuroD2. Motor neuron differentiation was evaluated for the elongation of neurites and the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) mRNA, a differentiation marker of motor neurons. By addition of Olig2 protein, motor neuron differentiation was induced in P19 cells.

► Olig2 protein has the ability to permeate the cell membrane.
► By addition of Olig2 protein, P19 cells showed elongation of neurites.
► Olig2 protein induced P19 cells to differentiate toward motor neuron.