Generation of Motor Neurons from Human ESCs/iPSCs Using Sendai Virus Vectors

Human motor neurons are important materials for the research of the pathogenesis and drug discovery of motor neuron diseases. Various methods to generate motor neurons (MNs) from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by the addition of signaling molecules have been reported. However, they require multiple steps and complicated processes. Here we describe an approach for generating human MNs from ESCs/iPSCs using a single Sendai virus vector encoding three transcription factors—Lhx3, Ngn2, and Isl1. This approach enabled us to generate MNs in one step, adding Sendai virus vector in culture medium. This simple method significantly reduces the efforts to generate MNs, and it provides a useful tool for motor neuron disease research.