Direct reprogramming of human fibroblasts into functional motor neurons

This protocol describes a method for direct reprogramming of human embryonic fibroblasts (HEF) into functional motor neurons. In the first step, fibroblasts are virally transduced with a mix of 8 genes: Neurod1, Brn2, Ngn2, Lhx3, Isl1, Ascl1, Myt1l, and Hb9 (MNX1 gene). In the second step, virally transduced cells are co-cultured with glial primary cells in neuronal differentiation medium to form functional motor neurons. These motor neurons express motor neuron-specific markers, and express functional potassium and sodium channels.