Microglia Differentiation

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) are popular because their pluripotency allows them to differentiate into all three germ layers with the potential to differentiate into all cell types within the body, but unlike ESCs, they are not encumbered with the ethical dispute associated with the sourcing of ESCs. The true potential of stem cell technology lies in the directed terminal differentiation of iPSCs into specific somatic cells which function like primary cells but without the sourcing issue and passaging limitations associated with them. The directed differentiation of iPSCs to glial cells (microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes) and neuronal lineage cells (neural stem cells and neurons) is of special importance for neurobiology and related disorders, considering the dearth of clinically relevant in vitro models available for research, drug screening, and development, as well as the lack of effective therapy to reverse neuronal damage.

Differentiate your iPSCs into microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) for an efficient way to generate in vitro models of neurodevelopment, neuroinflammation, and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. iPSC-derived microglial cells recapitulate the phenotypes and functional properties of primary microglial cells without the sourcing problems associated with them.

Advantages of ASC's Comprehensive iPSC Microglia Differentiation Standard & Custom Services:

• Optimized differentiation protocols
• Receive robust, mature microglia with the morphology of primary microglia
• Cells express key microglial specific markers: IBA1, TMEM119, P2RY12, CX3CR1, TREM2; other markers available upon request
• Differentiate from your healthy, disease or engineered iPSCs
  • Control “Master” iPSCs and iPSC Generation are available for deriving your control microglial lines
• Fast turnaround time (2 months)
• GMP iPSC Differentiation Services Available >> Learn More 

Optional! Add-on our downstream, cell line validation and phenotype assessment assays for a complete and comprehensive cell line package.