Generation of NG2 oligodendrocyte precursor cells from stem cells in a defined medium

A 3-step protocol for the generation of oligodendrocytes from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), by formation of neural spheres and culturing in defined serum-free medium. An additional step, of sorting NG2+ cells, can be added after step 2, for enhanced purification of the NG2+ oligodendrocytes. The induced oligodendrocytes can form myelin when co-cultured with neuronal cells.