Analysis of Psychiatric Diseases Using Neuronal Cell Induction Technology with bHLH‐type Transcription Factors

Abstract

In vitro neuronal differentiation from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells is a highly useful technology in neuronal disease research since it allows observation and manipulation of patient‐specific cells. However, there are still many challenges in disease modeling in vitro. One of the major reasons is that the technology for inducing subtype‐specific neuronal differentiation from iPS cells still needs to be improved. In this study, we introduce a research platform for pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders and drug screening by using gene transfer of bHLH (basic‐Helix‐Loop‐Helix) type transcription factors such as NEUROG2 and ASCL1, and discuss its usefulness and future challenges.