STAR Protocols (Jun 2024)

Generation and enrichment of cerebellar GABAergic interneurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells and intracellular calcium measurements

  • Federica Pilotto,
  • Rim Diab,
  • Zahraa Al Qassab,
  • Smita Saxena

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 2
p. 102936

Abstract

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Summary: GABAergic interneurons are inhibitory neurons of the CNS, playing a fundamental role in neural circuitry and activity. Here, we provide a robust protocol for the successful enrichment of human cerebellar GABAergic interneurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and measuring intracellular calcium transients. We describe in detail steps for culturing iPSCs; generating embryoid bodies; and differentiating and enriching for cerebellar GABAergic neurons (cGNs), with precise steps for their molecular characterization. We then detail the procedure for adeno-associated virus-mediated transduction of cGNs with genetically encoded calcium indicators, followed by intracellular calcium imaging and analyses.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Pilotto et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

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