A novel approach to facilitate dopaminergic neuron generation from stem-cells: The combination of genetic modification and signaling factors within a three-dimensional perfusion microbioreactor

Recent evidence suggests that cell replacement therapy holds great promise for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Many efforts have been made to improve current methods for differentiating stem or somatic cells into functional dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Previous studies have demonstrated that lineage-specific factors, extrinsic signaling factors and the cellular microenvironment are important considerations for generating functional DA neurons. We hypothesize that a combination of genetic modification, neurotrophic or extrinsic signaling factors and the construction of dynamic neural networks within a three-dimensional perfusion microbioreactor will produce greater efficiency and effectiveness in DA neuron generation from stem-cells.