Generation of a homozygous ARX nuclear CFP (ARXnCFP/nCFP) reporter human iPSC line (HMGUi001-A-4)

Abstract

The aristaless related homeobox (ARX) transcription factor plays a crucial role in glucagon-producing α-cell differentiation. Here, we generate an ARX reporter iPSC line by 3′ fusion of an intervening viral T2A sequence followed by a nuclear-localized histone 2B-cyan fluorescent protein (nCFP). The resulting cells have a normal karyotype and preserved pluripotency. In vitro differentiation of the ARXnCFP/nCFP reporter iPSCs towards the endocrine lineage confirmed the specific co-expression of the reporter protein in human glucagon+ α-like cells. Thus, ARXnCFP/nCFP iPSC line will provide a powerful tool to monitor human α-cell progenitor differentiation as well as ARX+ α-like cell function in vitro.