Human iPSC-derived Motor Neurons

Tempo-iMotorNer™

Human iPSC-derived Motor Neurons

Motor neurons belong to one of the most specialized neuronal subtypes in the human central and peripheral nervous system. These neurons are primarily responsible for transmitting signals to effector cell types. Their cell bodies are found in the motor cortex, brainstem, or spinal cord. Their axons (fibers) project to effector cell types or tissue types, such as muscles and glands. Degeneration or dysfunction of motor neurons can lead to several devastating disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gerig’s), primary lateral sclerosis, progressive bulbar palsy, and other subtypes of motor neuron diseases.

Tempo’s iMotorNer™ cells are reprogrammed from human iPS-derived multipotent progenitor cells, using integration-free induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines under fully defined proprietary serum-free, virus-free, nucleic-acids-free, feeder-free, and integration-free conditions. Motor neurons have synapses that transmit via cholinergic transmitters. These synapses require extremely fast inactivations of its transmitter, acetylcholine (Ach), by utilizing the enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AchT). AchT hydrolyzes acetylcholine to acetate and choline, as a way of inactivation. Tempo’s iMotorNer™ cells are polarized structures when plated as a monolayer in culture and express biomarkers, acetylcholinesterase (AchT), beta-TUJ (neuron-specific), Isl-1 and HB9.